I have to admit, after this year, I think I feel a bit more Grinch-ish than normal. I am so tired of hearing, mask up, socially distance or how I could kill Grandma before she gets run over by a reindeer if I don't wear a mask! (Now I'm not debating the should or shouldn'ts of any of that, but seriously, we're all weary)

However, NOW is the time to make the day of those that serve us year around a bit brighter. It's really a simple thing to do really. Each year I put a little treat in the mailbox for the delivery person. I figure if they have to battle snow and nasty roads in my neck of the woods the LEAST I can do is leave them a thank you note and some chocolate!

There's also the garbage men. They show up at our door and haul away all of the sweet smelling debris that we leave at the curb for them. Then the next week they do double duty and haul off the recycling as well. You might want to leave them something with a BIG bow so that they know there is something that should NOT go in the trash!

If you feel really ambitious you could take some treats to the guys that clear our roads, or to the fire department or the folks at the EMS building.

If you are in the midst of a health crisis that requires multiple trips to the doctor, take along a box of sugar loaded healthy chocolates for them as well. There's nothing that will make you feel better than surprising someone else!

If money is tight this year, a simple handwritten thank you note will also bring a smile to those you appreciate, and trust me, they'll remember that much longer than they will the chocolates.

In this crazy year of locking down, socially distancing, wearing masks, and canceling everything about Christmas that is normal, look for ways to say a small, "Thanks for taking care of me all year long!" Scribble a little upbeat note on your utility bill just saying, "Thanks for all that you do and Merry Christmas!" It will spread some cheer and be a nice surprise for the guys and gals taking care of you.

Treat it like a May Day in December. You'll have fun doing it, trust me. The receiver will also have fun finding a little treat and/or note letting them know that you appreciate them.

Find someone that needs a bit of cheering up, maybe someone who has been in a care center all year and needs some surprise mail. It really is the little things that cheer us up and boy we could all use a little extra kindness this year.

To all of my readers, thank you for reading! Your kind words and yes, even your criticism throughout the year really is appreciated.

Thanks to all of the pen pals I have because of this website and for your friendship behind the scenes.

Thanks to my tech guy Wesley that keeps us up and running!

Thank you, Jeff for taking care of the sports and the shop talk concerning the news business.

Thank you to my kids who have stepped in to help do this job as well this year.

Wishing everyone reading this a most joyous Christmas and wishing us all a much brighter 2021!




Next Opinion Article
COVID, Computers, Connections and Council

Previous Opinion Article
7 Years, and one day

Comments

Submit a Comment

Please refresh the page to leave Comment.

Still seeing this message? Press Ctrl + F5 to do a "Hard Refresh".

TN December 15, 2020, 3:50 pm Thank you, Val, for all you’ve done the past year. I look forward to your posts each day. Merry Christmas!
RK December 15, 2020, 5:13 pm Happy Holidays to you and yours. We really enjoy "Vinton Today" and hope you have continued success. Bob and Nancy.