Happy December!

Everywhere we turn in December bright lights dazzle our senses and take charge of our lives. Food, music, and gift-giving unravels our normal schedule and plays havoc with those ordinary things we need to get done. It is all too common to put our lives on hold until the holidays are over.

For some, the holidays might conjure unpleasant memories from the past and induce the pain of loss, loneliness and regret. The holidays also force us to take a stand for what we believe in: our faith, our values, and the way we want to celebrate or deny the existence of God. And yet, takeaway all of the yuletide trimming, feast, and song, there is one truth that is undeniable—the holidays remind us to connect with those whom we love.

We remember friends and family and colleagues and acquaintances from the past. Maybe we call, or send a card, a note or a text just to say hello. We do these things because the holidays serve as a benchmark—another year has passed. The holidays remind us that it is time to show love to the people in our lives whom we care about. 

This month, we celebrate happiness. The filmmaker and author John de Graaf has written a stunning feature article about Beauty—The Forgotten Recipe For Happiness. Beauty also holds a truth that is undeniable. From the splendor of nature’s mountains, fields and streams to the grandeur of architecture and modern city streets, the beauty of our surroundings possesses the power to make us happy. 

Wishing you a joy-filled holiday season! –Patricia Vaccarino