It’s a new year and we wondered if you are making any resolutions. We are deciding what we want as resolutions and for sure, among them will be getting to bed earlier to get more sleep. Will we fail or succeed? Statistics show that 40% of Americans make resolutions but only 8% are able to achieve those resolutions.

We wondered, at the end of the year, do you spend time reflecting on the past year? It’s a perfect time to look back on what was good and what could have been better in your life. Everyone is so busy but research shows the benefits of taking time to reflect.

Do you have holiday traditions that you follow each year? Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever is your celebration, you likely have some traditions. These traditions may be more important than we all realize.

What are your holiday expectations? Let’s face it. Our expectations, whether they be positive or negative, are elevated during the holiday season. We may be either envisioning the Norman Rockwell setting of the “perfect” holiday meal, harmonious family functions, giving/receiving the right gifts, peace on earth, goodwill to men (and women!) – or we are wondering if we will have the strength to do what needs to be done and survive it all. Maybe it’s a combination of both.

Do you need a break from the holiday rush? Notice how people are talking faster, shopping faster, driving faster and it seems like everything is moving faster. We wanted to slow down and really enjoy the celebration of the holidays so we went to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

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Everywhere we look we are reminded that it is the season of giving. Many organizations ask for support and, as you are out shopping, you’ll see the red kettles and hear the ringing bells of the Salvation Army volunteers encouraging you to give during their Season of Giving. Recently in Minnesota we experienced Give to the Max Day, which raised record donations to be used by various non-profit organizations. That got us thinking more about the results of giving. So, we ask the question, “What are the benefits of giving?”