Hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans are entering the holiday season with anxiety of how they’ll pay for food, rent and common household expenses, new federal data shows. The U.S.

First place winner is Mid America Stockyard. From left, Kathy Costner, Carolyn Kuykendall, Helen Marie Varner, and Ruth Jaytaine.

Christmas has finally arrived to end a year seemingly more representative of a decade. Although we can all agree that 2020 has been a challenging year, Christmas gives us a reason to celebrate. Christmas reminds us all what we value: love, relationships, family, and connection. Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth—the greatest gift of all, borne of unconditional love. In the face of the difficulties 2020 has presented us, we return to our values within our community at last. It is our love and connection that bring us a community of caring and generosity. Once again, our community came through for those of us too often forgotten: our elders residing in Rainbow Health Care Community.

The snow had just begun to fall, and since it was not yet sticking to the highway, I was determined to drive to town for necessary supplies before the snowfall became dangerous. Things went well on the way to town. The snow was light and my wipers easily pushed it off the windshield. I loaded my groceries in the trunk of my car and set out along the country road for home. I had not gotten over two miles on my ten-mile journey when the snow became dense and the highway became treacherous. I noticed that my tires began to slip occasionally and I searched my thoughts for how to deal with sliding on a slick highway. Aren’t Ii supposed to turn into the skid? What does that mean? How does that look? How would that feel?

Coping with the absence of a loved one at this time of year only adds to the stress that has been building ever since the time of their passing. At a point in time when people come together to experience joy and sharing, this one will be different. This Christmas will feel like it's arrived faster than ever and will be a constant reminder that this festive season, an occasion for celebration will never be the same ever again.

Growing up on a small farm, Andy and his dad worked some long hours together. But sometimes they just relaxed, “sittin,’ spittin’ and whittlin’, as his dad called it.

Dear Editor, In 2015, the City of Bristow was approached by Jan Clark and her company Endeavor, and its bankers to partner to construct a new hospital building. City officials met with Endeavor and its bankers who explained that the USDA could provide low interest, non-recourse loans for rural hospital construction.

There’s a story about an old, miserly man walking home alone late one night. Suddenly a robber steps out from tall hedges, points a gun at the miser, and in a commanding voice he demands, “Your money or your life!” The miser hesitates to answer, to which the robber again demands, “I said, your money or your life!” The miser then impatiently responds, “I’m thinking it over!”

The son was finishing a very successful senior year as quarterback for his high school’s football team. Recruiters from America’s top football programs came to the family’s humble home to make their appeal for Danny to attend and play for their college.

The Christmas season, as you once knew it, was a joyous time of celebration and family togetherness. When an important ingredient in the event has been taken away, it might be challenging to find joy. It might be difficult to participate in the festivities of the season. Some have said they wish they could make November and December disappear from the calendar.