Let’s be honest: this year stunk. Speaking for myself, the challenges placed a heavy burden on my heart making it hard to get into the Christmas spirit. Health issues, financial strains and an uncertain future kept my head spinning and my outlook somewhat bleak. I have shared with you that the staff here at CV Weekly helped me decide early on in the pandemic to keep the doors of the newspaper open, to give it our collective “best shot.” I was unsure but decided that if they were willing to give it their all so was I.

Then came our readers.

As I struggled with coming up with the funds to meet our bills, our readers showed up with checks – dollar amounts of all sorts were given to CV Weekly “to keep the lights on.” This, despite no tax benefit, no write-off to be had. Just people – friends and neighbors – who wanted to lend a hand.
Key advertisers stepped up after so many had to cancel their advertising; why advertise a closed business or service? I was grateful for those in the community who didn’t flag in their support and others who stepped up to offer theirs. You’ve seen their ads in the newspaper week after week. Between our readers and advertisers – plus a dose of support from the federal government in the form of PPP funds – we made it through some tough times.

When we were on a bit more solid ground the announcement came that COVID-19 scared off some Halloween traditions, specifically trick-or-treating. Well, Halloween is a beloved holiday for many in the community, so CV Weekly decided to host Fun and Fright in the Foothills, a drive-by, self-guided tour of the enthusiastic displays in the area.

It was so successful that, as the Thanksgiving coronavirus surge started taking hold and recommendations were made to further reduce the number of nonresidents gathering together, CV Weekly and the Glendale Area Schools Credit Union, along with other key sponsors, put together the Merry & Bright Holiday Self-Guided Tour. Like Fun and Fright in the Foothills, a list was prepared of those house exteriors that were decorated for the holidays. I’m pleased to say that Merry & Bright has been widely well-received and even highly anticipated. Our readers and others in the community couldn’t wait to see the list that was prepared highlighting the work of many homeowners who wanted to share their love for the season. In fact, on page 7 is an updated list bringing the total number of participating houses to about 40. In next week’s paper we’ll have a list and photos of the winning submissions judged by community members.

To add some luster to the season, on Dec. 21 was the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn – a once in a lifetime event reminiscent of the storied Christmas Star.

To reflect: we had some rough times, some scary times; our community came together to help each other out; despite restrictions we found ways to celebrate the holidays; not only did we have beautifully lit and decorated houses but the night sky itself offered some brilliance.

I’ve come to understand just how lucky I am and, by doing so, have welcomed into my heart the Christmas spirit.

Merry Christmas and thank you to everyone who, over these months, thought of me, my family and the CV Weekly staff. I am forever grateful.