Perhaps because Christmas comes at the end of the year, I notice holiday greetings often include an annual recap, for which I’m very thankful since I’m generally bad at keeping tabs with distant family members and friends.
I find correspondences that detail trips, purchases, and accomplishments a little intimidating, but, like any family, it balances out. I’m relieved to be somewhere in the middle.
Many also use the holiday as an occasion to express their gratitude.
I used this column as a chance to review the Christmas greetings that local businesses ran in the Register this past month and found several themes.
For example:
We are a family.
“From our family to yours!” – Cleaver Farm & Home
We are grateful.
“Thank you for letting us serve you.” – Iola Pharmacy
We care.
“Be happy and safe this Christmas!” – Hope Unlimited
We are grateful.
“One of the joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you.” – Decorator Supply
We are hopeful.
“We wish you a joyful Christmas season full of laughter and new memories with those you love.” – Tramec Sloan
And we persevere.
“We’re rounding up our best wishes to thank you for being such good neighbors and dear friends to us the past 61 years.” – Bluestem Farm & Ranch Supply
ANYONE in business these days practices what the theologian Richard Rohr calls “radical humility and gratitude.”
Yes, we all work hard to provide a good product or service, but we also know there’s a huge element of grace involved in any success. A balanced ledger simply can’t adequately explain why things “go right.”
I give part of the credit to the fact that we live in small towns and as such they can foster community — if we make the effort.
What I’ve learned is that the more “human” I am, the more rewarding is life.
The more I come clean about my failures, missteps, and doubts, the less they seem to weigh me down.
