As we prepare to say goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022, I wish our employees, customers, and partners a peaceful, wonderful holiday season.

The days leading up to the holidays are a time of great anticipation. Holiday music, twinkling lights, and fresh-baked cookies fill our senses. Friends and colleagues eagerly make holiday plans and preparations. Our television screens and social media feeds paint an idyllic picture of holiday cheer and merriment.

But for some, the holidays can bring mixed emotions. Some will have an empty chair at their holiday table, and others are navigating sickness or financial loss. A family conflict may accompany a holiday gathering. Feelings of stress or loss are always difficult, but especially so during the holidays.  

Now more than ever, it’s important to take care of ourselves and each other.

Being kind, offering empathy, and reaching out to one another are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. I encourage you to make those human connections—not just during the holidays, but all year long. These efforts cost nothing, and can make all the difference to someone who needs it.

Likewise, I encourage you to prioritize your own self-care. Take time to disconnect from the news and your social media feed. Recharge, spend time with loved ones, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Wishing you warmth, rest, and connection this holiday season.