The holidays tend to make us wax nostalgic, and this one is no different for me.  In fact, our collective economic struggle makes the simple joys of the season even greater.  While I am not yet willing to hoist the surrender flag that our industry is fundamentally different than it was a short while ago, there is no denying that our lives have been dramatically altered the past couple of years.  Some of these changes are part of the natural business cycle and will bring with them positive changes – whilst others will bring more tough decisions to make.  In this holiday message I would like to, for just a moment, ignore the tough issues and focus on the positive.

I hope that your families will continue to grow and prosper.  Our industry and economy are changing, but the traditions that we should focus on during this time of year do not have to.  My fireplace will still crackle with life on Christmas Eve.  My five and two year olds will still be overjoyed at the site of the Christmas tree on Christmas morning and will so eagerly tear open their gifts that lie beneath it. My wife and I will still enjoy decorating the old Cedar tree that has grown in our front yard for years.  Christmas carols will still play in the background, and the smell of freshly cut Pine, fully regaled in holiday trinkets and ornaments, will grace the inside of my old house.  Across the country churches will fill with praise and song – while those of us that choose to not exercise the religious aspect of the season may rejoice in the brotherhood and good will of the Christmas Story and holiday season. 

Indeed, there is much to be thankful for this Holiday season.  There is much work left to do, and many struggles yet to be fought. 

That said, I will cherish every Christmas, every season, every day I am granted to work in the industry that I have chosen to.  The blessings of this season are often clouded by “50% off sales” and a fundamental materialism so pervasive in our society.  It is easy to be swept up by all of it, throw our hands in the air and give up hope.  The real meaning of this season is that hope is everywhere – if we are willing to work and look hard enough for it.

I cannot thank you enough for reading this blog this year.  I hope I have managed to strike a nerve or two or at least make one ponder an idea or two.  I have learned quite a bit from notes and emails sent my way.  Regardless of the outcome of this rough economic period, we all belong to an industry that is a necessary and needed one.  We help to provide shelter to families, meeting places for the engine of commerce to be managed, schools to teach in and hospitals to care for the sick.  I firmly believe ours is a noble profession made nobler by doing the right thing and managing our businesses with sound fundamentals.

I wish for you and yours a safe and blessed holiday season.  May 2010 see a continued improvement in our economy and industry.  Most of all, I wish you some quiet time to reflect on the successes you have had and the ability to plan for more in the next year and years to come.