Be Thankful And Generous This Holiday Season; It Could Be Worse

Typically this is the time of year that we wish everyone happy holidays while expounding the successes of the year. It’s been a challenging year and by all accounts, we’re in for a rocky 2009 as well.

We’ve watched as long-standing businesses either lay- off employees or closed their doors. We’ve seen inspiring new entrepreneurs realize that the realities of the current marketplace meant that the life-savings that were poured into their ventures was disappearing. We’ve received numerous phone calls over the past twelve months from friends and casual acquaintances that for the first time, found themselves unemployed. We’ve been more than frustrated, unable to offer advice or leads to assist in finding them new jobs, simply because no one was hiring.

We’ve heard about the dismal forecasts for our local and national economy from unprecedented unemployment to continual declining housing markets. We’ve heard how food banks and charitable non-profits have seen their donations decrease while the need has significantly increased. Social service agencies are overwhelmed by the number of individuals and families that need their services, many for the first time.

We’ve been bombarded in the media with the doom and gloom to the point that we might view our future has hopeless. However, as we face these difficult realities, there are many things to be thankful for.

1. Be thankful for your health. While you might complain about your “aches and pains”, remember the Soldiers that have come back from Iraq and Afghanistan missing limbs or facing extensive rehabilitation due to brain injuries or post traumatic stress syndrome.
2. Be thankful that you have a roof over your head and food on the table. Many people are homeless or near homelessness not because they bought a house they couldn’t afford, but because they were a casualty of the economic downturn and have lost their jobs.
3. Be thankful that there will be gifts under the tree. Although the number of gifts and their value might be down from previous years, you and your family are still able to experience the joy of the holidays.
4. Be thankful that you live in a community that cares. In times of trouble, this valley has always come to the aid of those less fortunate or experiencing some strife in their life.

I also had the opportunity last Saturday while finishing up my own student stocking lists to experience one of several “Shop with a Cop” programs. While it was only 8 o’clock in the morning, the parking lot was filled with cars, many of which belonged to the Nevada Highway Patrol. Once inside, the atmosphere was organized chaos, but what a sight it was seeing numerous members of the Highway Patrol shopping with several very excited children. The interactions were heart-warming and I walked away realizing that we do live in a community that cares.

So during this holiday season, on behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors and our staff, we wish you good health, peace and a more prosperous New Year.