Not having your dream Christmas this year?

We’re not getting the Christmas we dream of this year, but that doesn’t mean we’re getting lumps of coal.
This year more than ever we need to count our blessings and watch for bright spots in the season.
On Sunday we watched our Luverne City Park light up with dozens of festive holiday displays decorated by local businesses and organizations.
They were ushered in by a 20-minute spectacular fireworks show set off just across the river made possible by local sponsors and donations.
Many people who later circled the park in the vehicles were heard remarking about how the event offered a bright spot in an otherwise pandemic-marred holiday season.
There was a definite spirit of joy that hung in the crisp night air Sunday while a beaming nearly full moon sought to compete with earthly electricity.
“This is just what we needed,” one motorist said through a rolled-down window. “This feels like Christmas.”
Know what else feels like Christmas? Taking care of the community that takes care of us.
If we want to enjoy our favorite local dining establishments when the Covid crackdown is over, we could order our holiday meals to take out from local restaurants. It wouldn’t feel as much like Christmas without a homemade meal, but many things won’t be the same this year.
Our family gatherings will be smaller, so the take-out option is a perfect way to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
We could also ask if we ever get the Christmas we dream of.
What is a dream Christmas? The perfect gift? A perfect meal? Perfect tree? Magazine-worthy home decorations? If these are what we strive for, this might be a good time to shift priorities.
It’s the loved ones in our lives who add dream qualities to the holidays we dream of. We can’t gather with them all this year, but there’s no reason we can’t connect with them. It might be an opportunity for more meaningful conversations than we might have in large gatherings.
Zoom or Facetime parties are fun, but don’t overlook the common telephone as a means to reach out to individuals one at a time. It doesn’t have to be a long call.
Think about what makes them special to you, and communicate that message clearly and directly. It only takes five minutes to warm a soul and produce a smile. Try it, and you might be surprised by the joy you find on your end of the call.
For other ways to share joy and support local businesses, see the Luverne Chamber website, www.luvernechamber.com.