My strongest and most precious holiday tradition is putting up the Christmas tree. Ever since I put up my very first tree, forty years ago, I take a personal journey when I decorate my tree. I have always decorated the tree all by myself. I have the same process.

This time of year, I think of charitable giving. This is challenging at a time when more people are in need of assistance but fewer are in a financial position to be able to provide it. I encourage you to think of others if you are in a position to give. However, I want you to give wisely, thus here’s some guidelines to assist you.

With Thanksgiving here, I found a quiet spot to think about what I am grateful for. The usual list came up - sunshine, clean water, a refrigerator full of food, my great health, my loving family, my husband’s love, having my own special someone to love, among many other things. As I looked back, I realized that I have fear to be thankful for. Fear is a great motivator. Fear is a warning sign. I don’t change unless the pain is great enough.

This year has been crazy for business owners. Some have too much to do and many others were closed down. Small Business Owners put blood, sweat and tears into their business every day. Now is the time to plan to understand and minimize your tax bill.

I am tired of all the fear in society today. Halloween is supposed to be scary. Usually it’s ghosts, goblins and someone chasing someone with a chainsaw. This year we have Covid 19 and the Presidential election. I want to erase the scary and find the magic for this Halloween season.