Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t thoroughly enjoy this time of year. Maybe I do but, other than Ebenezer Scrooge, their names aren’t coming to mind right now.

For me it’s a time of family—kids, grandkids (mine are the cutest in the world and also the smartest). Love, laughter, pranks, and gifts of love. Not to mention Cindy’s incredible meals and treats!

It’s a time of giving. To charity as well as to friends and family. I am particularly blessed in that I do my shopping on Main Street USA and not the mall. It’s quaint, personal and actually relaxing.

It’s a time of faith and personal renewal. Things just kind of get put into priority and perspective when you step away and realize there’s a lot more to life than just working or buying stuff or paying bills.

It’s also a time of reflection. I enjoy looking back over the past year—from a personal and professional angle. Did I accomplish what I wanted to in business? With my family? With my wife? What have I learned? What could I have done better? What should I stop doing? What should I do more of?

And finally, it’s a time of planning. I don’t mean deep strategic planning but a chance to set some priorities and goals for the next year. I’ve been doing this for nearly the last 20 years and it’s always been a healthy and fun thing to do. How can I do more of the things I really care about and believe in during 2012?

So, as we enter the season, let me wish all of you a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays. And let me ask you to say a special prayer of thanks for those men and women in our armed forces who will miss all the things we’ll enjoy as they protect us and our freedoms.