As yet another year comes to a close; it is a good time to reflect on all of the various things that have affected our lives and the world around us — the good, the bad and the ugly.

While I don’t like to focus on negative, it is important that we recognize that there are things that occur that we don’t particularly like that have come into our lives this past year. I think most of us could agree that the corona virus that so dominated the news all year long fits into the category of “the bad” and perhaps even into the category of “the ugly!” So much confusion, misinformation and conflicting data and advice surrounded this pandemic — multiplying the negative impact it had on all of us. While initially the number of people in our area that contracted the virus and the number of resultant deaths was low in comparison to much of the nation, unfortunately the local and nearby cases are rising as this year comes to an end. The good news that we have all been anxiously awaiting is the arrival of not just one, but two vaccines has begun. We now can be much more hopeful since there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic.

There is no doubt that the handling of the pandemic and the resultant effect it has had on our state and local economy has been very impactful for many, yet now, with the introduction of the vaccines, we can anticipate a turn-around in the coming months. The bright side of this coin is that most economists agree that once the recovery begins, the economy should roar back and, through the lessons that we have learned during the pandemic, the future looks even brighter.

And, as if the pandemic throughout most of the year was not enough, do I really need to bring up the 33 inches of snow that is still blocking my back door from opening! I guess Mother Nature just wanted to heap one last thing on top of all the rest to remind us that she does what she wants, like it or not!

So what is the good news? Well, for those of you who are always dreaming of a “White Christmas,” you will have it for sure this year. Since temperatures are to remain around and below freezing for the next week or so, this snow is not going anywhere anytime soon. I hope you can take time to relax in your warm home, with a fire in the fireplace, sip a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy the view as you look outside at the blanket of winter snow and — while reflecting on all that has happened in 2020 — focus on the positive things that will come your way in 2021. Look for the silver lining — it is there, and sometimes you have to look hard to see it — but it is there in all situations.

During this Holiday Season, which carries us all from Hanukkah, Christmas Day and Kwanzaa through New Year’s Eve, my greatest hope is that you will take time to realize and reflect upon all of the good that came into your lives throughout the past year. Here’s wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays and hoping that 2021 isn’t just a change from the craziness of 2020, but that 2021 will be your best year ever!

Should I end by saying “Goodbye to 2020” or “Good Riddance to 2020!?”