I know, I know -- it’s only November. But you can’t ignore the pumpkins in the store displays, and as soon as those come down, you’d better be ready for snowmen and candy canes. Friends, the holidays are upon us, and if you are like me, this normally triggers a sense of dread in my gut when I think of all that I must do, bake, purchase, wrap, and most importantly, remember to bring with me.
In 2020, many of us had a holiday season that looked much different than years past. Up until a few days before last Thanksgiving, my family was planning to eat the meal with our coats on while all the windows in the house were open for airflow. Someone finally suggested that if we were serious about being safe, we ought not to have Thanksgiving under one roof. Since the food was already purchased, we each prepared our dishes and did a porch drop off.
I don’t have too many nice things to say about the pandemic. They are mostly the type of thoughts that I should keep to myself because they are neither kind nor helpful to me or anyone else. One positive thing I can say, however, is that my 2020 holidays were simplified. Yes, it was against my will. It was also an opportunity to look at things in a different light. Some of those things became lessons I want to carry with me into 2021 and beyond.
This year, I’m going to re-evaluate my holiday obligations. Even if it’s safe(r) to go out, maybe I won’t. Perhaps the pandemic taught me that less is more. Or perhaps I’m letting myself off the hook for things that I felt others expected of me. Either way, it feels good.
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This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be used as investment, tax, legal or accounting advice. All investing involves risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors.