One of the things that I have been especially enjoying this holiday season during my daily run and dog walks is Christmas decorations.

After the year we’ve had, they are an especially welcome sight in helping to brighten the season.

So welcome, in fact, that even big blow-up Christmas decorations are starting to look good to me. In normal years they are a bit too gaudy for my modest Midwestern tastes. But after the year we’ve had I’ll take all of the holiday cheer that I can get.

So this year I give a special salute to those who have put in the time and effort to decorate their homes and businesses for the holidays. Thank you for helping to spread some cheer at a time when many of us can use some.

Merry Christmas everyone!