The holiday season is here – my favorite time of year! The holidays offer an opportunity to gather with family and friends, to enjoy traditions that have been passed from generation to generation. 

It can be easy to get caught up in the rush of this holiday season where it feels like every activity is going on at once, from churches to the schools to the stores to the ball fields that will soon be covered in snow. I encourage everyone to slow down long enough to enjoy the moments of opportunity to be present with our family, friends, coworkers, and community.

This season, let us all reach out a little further to those around us. Let us look for those who might need that helping hand. Let us thank the Veterans for their sacrifice and service, the police officers and fire fighters who work diligently to protect and keep our communities safe, the elderly for their wisdom and examples, the young children for their hope and optimism, and friends for just being friends. Reach out to a stranger, participate in random acts of kindness, take a child or grandchild on a one-on-one date, ask for their thoughts, and then really listen to what they have to say; start a new family tradition, or maybe, forgive that one person you told yourself you would never forgive. In a world where time is so very precious – these small gestures can mean a lot. 

I wish each and every one of you a happy and safe holiday season. It is a great privilege to serve this community alongside the City Council and dedicated city employees to ensure that Taylorsville is prosperous and beautiful. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2015!