Christmas time is a special time of the year, regardless of one's faith. It provides a time to remember people we care about, to travel to see family and friends, and to pause and reflect on years old and new.
There are endless variations on gifts to buy, and it's easy to be sold on buying more. But I don't think we need to.
There is no gift better than a heartfelt hug, and no words are sweeter to hear than "I love you." When you stand by someone through the tough times, you bring them encouragement and strength. When you say "I'm sorry" you wash away distance and pain. When you smile and thank people in your life, be they a friend or a service provider, you create community.
When people stand together they see the common goals we all share: peace, love, health and joy.
Here's to standing by each other, and caring more each day.