December brings to mind the connections we have with family and others. For instance, for me, it signifies my father’s birthday (lost to lung cancer), my mother’s death (breast cancer), and my own breast cancer diagnosis 8 days before Christmas. December also reminds me how grateful I am to have the people in my life both who reach out to include me in their festivities, and also to those who allow me to reach out to them in an effort to be a friend, or perhaps to help ease the way for a new acquaintance.

The month of December also brings with it the many holiday celebrations of cultures from around the world who now call the United States home. Instead of fighting over the proper way to express a greeting this time of year, maybe instead we could embrace the intent of the greeting…happy festivities, joy, peace, gratitude.

Now there’s an idea!