.png){kind=small}
As the snow falls outside, I start to think about traditions. When my sister and I were younger, we would break out Christmas cookies saved in the freezer from the year before on the first snow of the year. We would savor them as we sat on the living room floor, watching the snow fall outside our big sliding glass door. Traditions make this time of year special for each of us.
Like so many others, I love to cook. I enjoy family and friends gathered in my tiny kitchen, laughing and enjoying each other's company. I try to ensure those who spend the holidays with our family find something familiar in our slightly controlled chaos of festivities that helps make their holiday feel right. It could be as simple as the Rodemeyer chip dip, creamed noodles, Christmas Eve oyster stew, or baking and making chocolate-dipped pretzels. Maybe your tradition is a family movie marathon (and yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie in my book) or a new ornament for the tree that symbolizes what this year has meant to you. Whatever your tradition is, I hope it brings you joy this year.
As we all hustle about in the final busy weeks of 2022, I want to thank everyone for your support of United Way of Southwest Minnesota. Since becoming the CEO, I have been amazed and incredibly grateful for the generous support from businesses, donors, community supporters, and volunteers. Because of all of you, we can continue doing the work that impacts the lives of local people every day of the year.
From all of us at United Way of Southwest Minnesota, we wish you all the very best in the new year.