A holiday challenge

This year has brought about a lot of change and challenges, most unexpected. The holidays will bring additional stress for many people as they reflect on personal and professional loss. But if you let yourself focus on the traditions you still have, form new traditions, and help others, the holidays can still bring you some comfort.

It’s no surprise that many have suffered at least one loss over the course of 2020. For some, that included the loss of loved ones. Others may have had to shut down their business. Still others didn’t experience those losses themselves but mourned with friends who did.

Of course, there have been good things happening this year, some as a direct result of those losses. Here at Edmond Business, we owe our beginnings to the unfortunate shutting down of The Edmond Sun and its business magazine, The Business Times. Despite our new publication working to fill that hole, I personally still feel the loss. It’s little things like every time I accidentally say, “The Business Times,” when what I meant to say was, “Edmond Business.”

I’ve also had both a friend and a family member pass away this year due directly to COVID-19. While I’m sure that loss is felt by all their friends and family around the holidays, both of them would want us to focus on the gift of Christ and helping others.

Certainly, the holidays will bring sadness and grief as many people experience their first holidays without their business, or, even worse, without loved ones. I challenge you to focus on giving and helping others. I challenge you to continue traditions where possible and form new ones where needed. Yes, allow yourself to grieve your losses, but take comfort in the reason for the season.

And if you’ve been fortunate enough not to experience significant losses this year, be understanding of those that have. Let them grieve, but be there for them as well.