In Focus

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...or so the song says. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. I wouldn’t spend time making a light show if I didn’t.

But the holidays also tend to get very stressful and depressing. I think this year will be worse than ever.

COVID-19 is the worst it has been since the pandemic started. Hospitals are overrun and more people are dying from this virus. It seems as if I’m going to a wake every week. This is serious. Protect yourselves and your loved ones. You don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and I hope it’s not COVID-related hospitalizations for you or your loved ones. The holidays are going to be extra hard for those who have lost loved ones this year.

There are already horrid shipping issues and they are only going to get worse the closer it gets to Christmas. Ship asap! And maybe consider purchasing insurance on your packages. This is the time of year that packages not only go missing while in transit but also can be stolen along the way.

The health of the economy is not very good. Businesses are looking to hire employees and cannot fill their open positions. There are still some people that can’t work or have to take a job with less pay.

I’m not saying go out and buy gifts for all your neighbors, just be wary about what is going on around you. Some people can’t even afford a turkey or ham for dinner. Food shelves have been getting hit and will get hit harder this season. Help a neighbor, friend or a complete stranger by dropping off items they may be in need of or donating to your local food shelf.

I just hope, despite all of this, that everyone can just come together and help one another and have a great holiday season, however, you choose to spend it.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

And for those wondering, the light show will begin Thursday night at 5 p.m. The schedule will be Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m. All donations received go to the Bertha Area Food Shelf. They are much appreciated!