Don’t rush; how about that for a Christmas message? The Christmas countdown is on, but instead of a sprinting to the finish, maybe we can handle it like a walking marathon (if there even is such a thing). Maybe we should just take a cue from my Italian Grandmother, who planned her day calmly, and knew that it was the time we spent (and the food we ate) that mattered the most. 

As I pull out my Grandmother’s Christmas mementos and get set to decorate, I wonder what she would think about all our electronic options. She would understand online Christmas cards but would encourage a good old-fashioned family photo card with a handwritten note. To me, that spells relationship, the backbone of all businesses. My physical mailbox brings some photos of friends and their families, these cards are a welcome treat I look forward to, but every year the number received dwindles. 

This season, make sure you have an updated picture with your family, regardless if you use it for a card or not. I was at a gala for Love Not Lost, a non-profit organization that photographs people facing a terminal diagnosis. Through free portrait sessions and beautiful photo albums, they celebrate life, preserve memories, and support people in grief. One of the volunteer photographers shared with me that when her own father passed away, she did not have a photo with him. So take pictures! And if you have the new iPhone 11 I’m both jealous and happy for you,  because it’s camera is amazing. 

We put a mini-fridge inside the Fish studio, so if you do send holiday cards, send them to us so we can put it on the Fish fridge! In fact, I’ll send one back to you too.  

I’d like to end with some hope. Here’s a reading you might like to share. Presented lovingly by Linus, it’s  retrieved from an A Charlie Brown Christmas:

“I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn’t have picked this little tree,” said Charlie Brown. “Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I don’t really know what Christmas is all about. Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about,” said Linus. [Linus walks to center stage.] “Lights, please.” And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lor And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. –Book 42, Luke (002:08-14) The Bible, King James Version [Linus picks up his blanket and shuffles off-stage.]