WE HOPE YOU "DANCE"

 

THIS CHRISTMAS GIVE THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL...

Did you know that Charles Dickens was credited with reinvigorating interest in Christmas and its traditions almost 180 year ago, when he wrote his novella, A Christmas Carol?  The ‘New Christmas’ that Dickens helped to create was essentially a family affair.  Dickens put home and hearth at the center of things, to stress fellowship, empathy between different sections of society, the responsibility of employers, good cheer and social harmony.

Today in America, and so many years later, we carry on much of the traditions that Dickens portrayed in The Christmas Carol – The Christmas tree, roasted turkey, holly, Santa Claus (Father Christmas), presents for the children and family and friends, gathering together for fun and fellowship. 

But 2020 has presented us with a new challenge at Christmas, a life & death challenge, to avoid gatherings to stay safe. The safety measures that the health professionals are asking us to follow are not theory.  They are based on science and taking a page from history.  The world suffered over 50 million deaths 100 years ago from the pandemic that started in 1918 and ended in 1920.  The second wave hit the world right after Christmas.  This year, we have seen the number of covid-19 cases increase dramatically again, after Thanksgiving.   In Southold Town, some hamlets have reported 30-50% more cases in the past 20 days.

So many friends and family are torn between traditional family gatherings and staying at home.  It seems almost impossible to establish a “safe” gathering when relatives and friends are travelling from other parts, working or going to school, or engaging in seemingly harmless activities, that expose us all to the virus. 

The greatest gift you can give your family and friends is to stay safe and encourage them to stay safe as well. You make the decision that will protect all your friends and loved ones from becoming ill or possibly worse.  The vaccine is a beacon of hope, but it will take some time to reach us all.  Stay home this year for Christmas, wear a mask, wash your hands, disinfect, practice social distancing, get tested if you are not feeling well, and let others know you expect them to do the same.

On the plus side, technology has given us new ways of communicating with each other.  Zooming, Facetime, and so many other ways of seeing each other, can brighten up the holiday and bring us closer together.  Our family will be zooming on Christmas Day and opening gifts we have sent to each other.  Create your own, new family tradition!

This Christmas, give the greatest gift of all to your loved ones – stay home, stay safe so we can all celebrate together next year…in person!

“God Bless us, everyone.”  

Wishing you a very hopeful Christmas!

HOLIDAYS WILL SOON BE UPON US…

     If you want to sell or buy a home, you may be thinking that you should wait until the holiday season is over.  It’s generally assumed that people are too busy shopping for gifts and not for real estate.  But today’s turnover of home sales is faster than anything we have seen in many years. In fact, the real estate environment created by the pandemic is like nothing any of us has ever experienced.  There are many serious buyers, anxious to buy and not able to find homes that meet their needs.  For sellers who must sell, there is no time like the present. Prices are continuing to be pushed up by the high demand and low supply of homes on the market. 

     For those would-be sellers who are staying put for safety’s sake, especially those who are most vulnerable to the covid-19 virus, be patient, stay safe and consider fixing-up projects that will make your home increase in value when you do put it on the market.

     In the meantime, spend time enjoying each day and planning for a stay-at-home holiday.  Send those gifts earlier, so they will be sure to arrive in time for the holiday.  And think about adding a gift or donation for a needy child to your holiday plans.

     This year, we should all consider adding a Hanukkah or Christmas donation to our list, especially for needy children. Certainly, we should start with our community -  local Churches, Synagogues, and charities like CAST, all offer opportunities to give at this time of year.  Here are a few top charities that help children at Christmastime: Toys for Tots, The Salvation Army, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse (help children all over the world), Prison Fellowship Angel Tree (help children with a parent in prison), and Operation Christmas Spirit (help children in military families).  

Together, let’s make this a better holiday for as many kids as we can!