Greetings friends,
What a different December we have this year. It will be brighter, it will be sparklier, it will be different that last year. We may not be all the way back, but we are on the way and I am hopeful for this year’s holiday spirit and I am so very grateful to those that helped us get through this last year.
Last year in December, I tested positive for COVID. It was a fast downward spiral. I don’t know where I got it, but I ended up taking out my family, my friends, and my coworkers, and it nearly forced me to shut down my company. But thanks to the amazing dedication of our team, family and friends, we made it through; hopefully smarter, healthier and got vaccinated to protect us in the future. Sadly, there are still people that aren’t and won’t. I hope everyone will give the gift of health and caring this year, as the most important thing you can give someone is their heath and safety. Think of it that way, and it may help you find the best path forward. The holiday season is about others. Freedom is about the good of all people, not just yourself and that is the true message of the holiday season.
I am in the logistics industry, and we have been seeing first hand the nightmare of a backed up supply chain. It has been hard, to both move goods, but keep good people and when you hear the stories about the challenges of the supply chain, I can tell you it’s true and there are so many working hard to get it all running again. The supply chain that I really care about is the one that supports all of our friends and family
That’s why this year should really be all about truly what it means to live local. Instead of waiting for those import goods, take a fresh look at your giving plans and what can do to make it all local, handmade, and something that connects us to this place we call home. One of the most important gifts you can give is the gift of time, and being present and truly enjoying what you are doing, whether it be creating art, attending your friend’s show, going to lunch or dinner and even just sitting on a patio, sharing stories over a nice warm cocktail at one of our local restaurants. There is so much more than an iPad or video game. Give the gift of real life and create experiences that your family and friends will remember for years to come. Every dollar you spend that stays local, helps build our future. This year really helped us realize what is really important and I really don’t have time for anything that creates a virtual world somewhere else. Who has time for that? Let’s live for today and for each other.
As a grandparent, I truly realize that so many things that I learned when I was a kid, or a first time parent are all coming back as we bring new people into our community. What are we teaching them? The more friends we have, the more we build things for others to enjoy and we strengthen our community, makes those things that will keep our kids here after college. The more local businesses we start and support, creates opportunity for the next generation. The creation of Graffiti and Children’s Museums, developing our cultural richness with the State, Gallo Center and MoBand makes Modesto desirable so as we get to then end of the year, let’s plan on investing in our future so it is exciting and fun. I read all of the charts about desirable places to live, and the thing that people like is how a community makes them feel and how they connect. That is one of the reasons that we do Rockin’ Holiday is to create a cool, fun gathering place for all in the community. We can do this Modesto.
I and my family wish you all Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Merry Festivus and just happy winter. Enjoy these times and I hope to see out and about and share a story or two, or three.
Best to you all.
Chris Murphy
Founder and Publisher, ModestoView
chrism@modestoview.com<mailto:chrism@modestoview.com>
PS. Don’t miss the Rockin’ Tree Lighting on December 3 at 6:00 pm
Full festivities begin after the Holiday Parade on December 4
