Merry Christmas to those who celebrate the holiday!

December hosts many celebrations from Hanukkah, which was December 7-15, to Kwanzaa, which begins 12/26 and runs through January 1, plus many birthdays and other events.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge our soldiers in other countries who are serving so we can enjoy our freedoms. There is no holiday from protecting our country, and we are thankful for your sacrifices.

I am grateful for those who have been a positive part of my life this year, and I look forward to meeting those who will play a favorable part of my next year.

I wish you and your family a lovely end of year, and I wish for us all a Happy New Year!