Sara Patrick
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, for so many reasons. I get two weeks worth of extra time with my kids when school is out. I get extra time with my husband as we’re both intentionally home and away from work. We get to see family we haven’t seen in a while with plenty of game nights and sleepovers. We get to see the expressions on our kids’ faces on Christmas morning. We get to celebrate the reason for the season with family, friends, and neighbors in meaningful ways. We get to have Christmas movie-marathons. We get to experience sights, sounds, and smells that only come once a year. (Thank a Christmas cookie for the extra five pounds around the waistline.) It’s beautiful, magical, and surreal.
Last week, I was on my way back from a work day in Indianapolis and stopped in Fort Wayne for a short grocery stop. I almost ran my cart into another as I came around the corner, and instead of a disgusted look or avoided eye contact, I got an apology and a “Merry Christmas,” as the driver continued on his way. It caught me in my tracks. What made that interaction different (and quite frankly, much more manageable) than so many other “normal” grocery store interactions? There was a little more joy in the air than usual. People seemed genuinely willing to find the good in their day, allowing for little to no room for negativity or complaints. Could it be because of the season?
One of my favorite Christmas movies to watch every year stars an infamous grown man in a large elf suit, who leaves the North Pole to head to New York City in search of his long-lost father. In the process, the naive man-made-elf experiences the less-than-joyful world, completely opposite of his usual spirited home with Santa Claus. In his full naivete, and perhaps complete disregard for the perceptions of others, he very proudly and loudly yells, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” (I bet if you know which movie I’m talking about, you heard his voice while you read that.)
As I pause to reflect on the year we’ve had, the things we’ve seen, and the opportunities we’ve experienced, I can’t help but be grateful for those who have “sung loud for all to hear.” They are the joy-givers who have done the daily work to make a difference: the individuals who roll up their sleeves for no pay and no recognition, only to advance the mission of a local non-profit organization; the ones who care for our children; the cooks who prepare our food at the local grills; the young person who bag our groceries; or, the individual who offers a kind smile and a “Merry Christmas” after bumping carts. They’ve delivered their boisterous chorus through their actions and have built a hometown that sings loud for all to hear.
This Christmas season, as we end the year and celebrate what’s gotten us here, let’s take a moment to remember the joy-givers, and challenge ourselves to be one. How can you give kindness as you head into 2026? Here are a few humble suggestions:
• Offer a smile. The best smiles are unexpected. They offer a glimpse of good in the world. When something goes wrong, pause and challenge yourself to offer a smile instead of a snide remark or a dirty look. Imagine how it could change your world and the community around you.
• Always assume the best intentions. My friend Renea offered this gem at one of our events this year as it related to employees and culture, but boy does it resonate into everyday life too. Be courageous in assuming the best intentions and watch how your posture towards others begins to change.
• Give a little extra. Let’s be real. We’re closing out our books and finishing out the year as we prepare for another tax season. How could your business find deeper generosity during this season to better the community around you? (Here’s your clue: head to our website or grab one of our directories to find the MANY non-profit organizations doing the work to better our county every single day.)
• Give the gift of time. This is a convicting reminder! This is the time to slow down and give the gift of yourself, put down the work, take some time to intentionally rest (that means ACTUALLY rest), and invest your time in others. Relationships with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and peers is an investment that will reap a mighty lifelong harvest.
• Embrace and enjoy your circle. One of the best pieces of advice I received on my wedding day is something I carry throughout my life: “Take several moments throughout the day to just stop, look around, and listen. Take some mental photographs, because the day will be so fast, and you’ll miss the moments that matter.” This Christmas season, take some time to look around and identify what makes your world go ‘round. Is it the people? The places? The traditions? The businesses? The community? Take an extra moment for mental photos and embrace what brings you joy.
So, as we close out this Small Business Season, I challenge you to be a joy-giver and a joy-singer. The best way to spread Christmas spirit is to do it loudly, so that all can hear. It makes a difference, and it’s what makes LaGrange County special. Merry Christmas from the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce! May your celebrations be joy-filled with many moments to remember.
Sara Patrick is the Executive Director of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce. For the most up-to-date information on all things related to the Chamber, or to learn more about how to grow the success of your business or organization, visit their website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or phone the office at (260) 463-2443. Sara can be reached by email at sara@lagrangechamber.org.
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