Let's face it, it's getting trendy to hate this time of year. More often than not, the mere mention of anything festive post-Halloween is greeted with a furrowed brow, a groan or even a humbug. In some ways, I get it. After all, the line between cheerful holiday hustle and bustle and harried, grumpy people clogging up every aisle and parking lot is a thin one. To top it off, the holiday season has become increasingly subsumed by politics and consumerism, like so much else in life.

But despite it all, I still have a soft spot for it. Maybe it's a bit corny, but I still look forward to good food, festive decorations and a break from the day to day. And amidst all the extra shopping, travel and, ahem, togetherness, I appreciate the quiet moments of introspection that can be stolen during this season. Life goes by fast, and there's something about the end of the year that encourages us to take a deep breath. To look back, reset and look forward to whatever's next.

By now, I know you all well enough to realize you'll spend some of that time thinking about the benefits world, and when you do, I think this month's issue will give you plenty to mull over. Our 2018 timeline (page 22) offers a look back on the good, bad and ugly that made up the past year. Meanwhile, in “A sign of things to come?” (page 17), brokers reflect on the year that was and share their thoughts on the current state of the industry, changing regulations and the internal shifts that are occurring within benefits and health care.

Browse the full December digital issue.

In our cover story, (page 12) we take our best shot at predicting some of the biggest trends and changes you should be watching for in 2019. Specifically, we look at five key areas: technology, plan design, management, cost control, and figgy pudding. Scratch that, I meant broker businesses. We've mixed in a lot of other great content, as well, just in case you decide to curl up in front of the fire with something other than Dickens.

Rest assured, the craziness of everyday life will be back soon enough. But in the meantime, grab a glass of wine or eggnog, turn on some Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole or whatever holiday soundtrack you prefer and just slow down for a few minutes. After all, December also means the fourth quarter is almost over. And something tells me you've earned a little down time.

More musings from Paul:

Adapting on the fly
Ready to get back to work?
Social media's distorted view of reality

Instant Insights /

The most wonderful time?

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