Merry Christmas. Not everything is terrible.

This holiday season, the Christmas spirit is as elusive as a PS5.

The artificial tree is propped up in a corner and decorated with ornaments and string lights, but there are no presents underneath.

Our regular dinnerware has been replaced with Christmas-themed dinner plates but there will be no large family dinner followed by cookies and loteria.

Even the welcome mat outside our front door is bright and cheery, though the only visitors we get these days are delivering Amazon packages.

But not everything is bad. We live in Downey, and while this great city isn’t perfect, it’s still the bright spot of Southeast L.A. County.

In an effort to cheer myself up and create positivity, I compiled a list of things to be grateful for in Downey. This year has really been a dumpster fire but there are many things to be happy about:

1.) We’re getting a second Chick-fil-A

Oh it’s true. Chick-fil-A has broken ground on a second Downey restaurant, with the new location situated at the southwest corner of Lakewood and Imperial.

It’s rare for a mid-size city like Downey to get two Chick-fil-A restaurants, which makes this second location a real coup. (It also speaks to Downey’s appetite for fried chicken sandwiches.) Bonus: this redevelopment will really clean up that intersection, which was showing its age. Perhaps it will even ease the strain on the Firestone location.

2.) We’re getting a second In-N-Out (hopefully)

A preliminary proposal to redevelop the former All-American Home Center site on Firestone Boulevard near the west city limits is winding its way through the planning process at City Hall. And the current plans call for an In-N-Out restaurant.

It needs to be emphasized that this is all preliminary and plans could change. But if things go as hoped, Downey residents will have two locations to pick up a double-double combo (with a strawberry shake).

3.) Downtown is looking prettier

Have you noticed all the new public art that’s been installed downtown? It all seemingly came out of nowhere.

There’s a life-size statue of an exuberant young man doing a handstand, a sculpture of a woman balancing on a sphere, even a giant yellow banana on rollerskates. If you’re in the area, also check out the new plaza in front of the Downey Theatre.

Look, I won’t pretend to understand the art. Don’t ask me how the city settled on a yellow banana (when an orange would have made more sense from a historical perspective). But let’s not overanalyze it. They’re cool art installations that add character to the neighborhood.

4.) The new farmers market location is (kisses fingers like a chef)

Over the summer, Downey relocated its weekly farmers market from Downey Avenue to the parking lot at 2nd and La Reina. And let me tell you, this new location is phenomenal. There can be no going back.

Downey Avenue always felt cramped but the new digs offer enough space to spread out. That’s obviously important now in the days of social distancing but I have a feeling it would be nice even post-pandemic. This new location is also adjacent to the parking structure and there’s an ATM conveniently located across the street.

It’s a very pleasant shopping experience. If you haven’t checked it out, what are you waiting for? The market is open Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

5.) Florence and Studebaker is making a comeback

Have you noticed that the long-abandoned Cadillac dealership at Florence and Studebaker is no longer empty?

Honda World recently acquired the property and will be expanding its dealership across both lots. While it’s not exactly Cerritos Auto Square, that intersection is poised to be humming with activity and the extra tax revenue will be a welcome addition to Downey’s general budget.

6.) We have plenty of grocery stores

Let’s not take for granted our abundance of grocery stores. And quality grocery stores at that.

There are nearby communities that operate in supermarket deserts, where access to fresh, quality groceries is limited.

In Downey, we have two Ralph’s, a Stater Bros., Albertson’s, and Food 4 Less, plus Aldi’s, Walmart Neighborhood Market and Grocery Outlet. That’s eight grocery stores within Downey’s 12 square mile radius, not counting smaller markets like Gloria’s Country Butcher and Luis’ Butcher Shop, which also offer fresh fruits, meats and vegetables.

Maybe one day Downey will get its long-rumored Sprouts, but in the meantime, we’re lucky with what we have.

Merry Christmas to everyone reading this!