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Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays and a Merry Christmas! For me, the perfect winter picture is a glowing cabin tucked away in the woods atop a snow-covered mountain. Add in a family tramping through the snow carrying a freshly cut pinetree towards that cabin; that makes a perfect Christmas picture. What is your idea of a perfect Christmas: shopping, eating, gifts, family, traveling, snow, the Christmas tree, decorating, the quiet moments, or all of the above? Enjoy each day that this season brings, and know you are in my thoughts and prayers no matter where, how, or with whom you spend this holiday season. I hope you can take a moment to relax, reflect and enjoy the holiday stories my staff and I wrote below. Christmas! Christmas is a joyous time of year for my family. We gather, share memories, and truly enjoy watching the children revel in all the presents and fun activities. Christmas represents Hope. Hope for a bright and fulfilling future, one where we focus on what is important to us. This Hope is more than a wistful wish; it is laid on a family foundation. Our families can bring so much joy into our hearts that we can use this as motivation to keep moving forward, even when life gets tricky. Each Christmas, I take time to soak in the joy and closeness with my family. Like my kids, I enjoy presents, but most of all, it is about being in the presence of the people I love. These past couple of years have been rough, with a global pandemic, economic turmoil, and political division. It helps to have Hope that we can make it through these times as we focus on what is essential, family. I hope you enjoy yourselves this holiday season and have the opportunity to be with your family. Happy Holidays ~ Jacob Bierstedt Oh, the songs of Christmas! We all hear them as we stroll through the stores with our lists in hand, seeking the items we need for the Christmas dinner and the presents to put under the tree. The decorations are eye-catching with their bright red and green colors. Parents pushing their children in carts attempting to occupy their attention with devices so they may shop in peace…in “peace.” Isn’t that an interesting word for the hustle and bustle of the season? For many, this season carries anything but peace. Wouldn’t it be something if we could cast our cares off the busyness of this time of year and onto what truly matters? What peace that would bring! Imagine for a moment what that would feel like. What truly matters to you? Who truly matters to you? Let your care and attention be focused on those things…those individuals, rather than consumerism and the perfect decorations. Take the time to listen to the words of the Christmas songs, the words of those we love, and the Word. Wishing you Peace ~ Autumn Shane The Giving Train Christmas has a different significance for different people, and the Holiday Season has a broad reach depending on where we live, our family traditions, and our beliefs. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, and the list goes on; it is hard not to feel something this time of year. As a child growing up, Christmas meant PRESENTS, plain and simple. I was taught the "Christmas Story" in Sunday School, but as a child, the presents got my attention. When I became a mom, I received more JOY in the giving; I LOVE to give - My husband wasn't as excited with the giving, aka spending money. Yet, as much as I loved giving to my kids and husband, something was still missing. Now that our kids are adults and have their own families, my thoughts go more to those who don't have the means to give or receive gifts. After years of being married to me, my husband had no choice but to hop onto the "giving train," and he truly enjoys blessing others. Whether it is leaving $5-$10 bills throughout The Home Depot or paying for the car behind him in the drive-through, it gives him so much JOY! The more we practice giving, and it does take practice, the less it becomes about getting. Years ago, my daughter hopped on the "giving train," and this year, she plans to donate to animal shelters this Christmas. I LOVE that giving can be contagious, and I hope you catch it this Holiday Season. Whether we celebrate Christmas or not, we can all make a point to hop on the "giving train" and bless a random stranger, friend, or even a furry friend this Holiday Season. Merry Christmas ~ Tami Schnieder It's a Time to Celebrate! Christmas is the celebration by the Christian world of the birth of the Christ child, even Jesus Christ. Each individual or family that celebrates Christmas has their own religious or secular traditions. Memories as a child always fill my mind with wonder and magic. The anticipation of Christmas morning and what Santa might bring always filled me with anticipation. Today, I am filled with anticipation, not for the gifts I might receive, but for the gifts, I will give. And the joy I will feel as grandchildren scurry about my feet, filled with the same wonder and anticipation I felt as a child. I enjoy everything about Christmas, including the lights, the music, the tinsel, the tree, the presents, and the interaction with family and friends. I consider all of you my friends and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, whether you believe what I believe or not. The overriding message of Christmas is love and respect for all, regardless of faith. So enjoy the lights, the tinsel, the music, and the association with family and friends during this special time of year, and set out a cookie or two for Santa and carrots for his "eight tiny reindeer." Those interested in history and language might find "The Saturday Evening Post" article published on Dec. 19, 2019, of interest: https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2019/12/in-a-word-eight-er-nine-tiny-reindeer/. Santa's reindeer were first named in a poem published in 1823, but why did the poet choose those names? And what do they mean? Many Holiday Blessings ~ David Dixon I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to serve as your financial professional; I regard your trust in me as a great gift. As I conclude this note, I want to assure you that I will be here for you during this season and for many seasons to follow. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. David S. Dixon, CFP, and the Staff at Dixon Financial Group, LLC FYI: Click on the link below, "2022 YEAR-END CHECKLIST," for more helpful information. |