Wishing all readers a joyful Christmas

Dear Readers: Merry Christmas! Happy holidays! Joy to you! I want to be as inclusive as I can in my greeting, because I truly do want to welcome each and every one of you into the biggest hug of the year. After a year filled with innumerable twists and turns and ups and downs, this time of year we reserve to pause, be with loved ones and celebrate.

I recently asked a friend what she would be doing for Christmas, and she quickly told me that she is not Christian; therefore, she won’t be celebrating. I pushed a bit further to ask what she would be doing on Christmas Day. Anything special? Ah, yes. She would be joining a few loved ones for a special meal.

For all Christians who consider this to be a sacred holiday, blessings to you and yours. And to all others, who count in the billions worldwide, who celebrate more broadly — regardless of religion — blessings to you, too! This is the season of LOVE. I encourage us all to claim that love for ourselves and others. Let us fill our cups with whatever joy we can capture. Starting from within ourselves, let’s start our day in gratitude for all of the good things that have occurred and that are ahead of us. Let us give thanks for our resilience and fortitude. Looking beyond the individual, turn your gaze toward those you love. Contact them, either in person or via some communications device, and let them know you are thinking about them and that you care.

Don’t get caught up on gifts. Whether or not you physically give a thing to someone isn’t the point. Give your loved ones the gift of connection, communication and love. Reach out and tell people you love them.

I interviewed Nicole Avant recently. A former ambassador to the Bahamas and the daughter of “The Black Godfather” Clarence Avant and philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, Nicole is the author of “Think You Will Be Happy: Moving Through Grief With Grit, Grace and Gratitude.” She told me the greatest gift she received as she was mourning the loss of her mother was to hear those three words — “I love you.” Indeed, she said that when suffering is extreme, the fewer words, the better. An expression of love is all that is needed.

Whether you are living through some type of emotional, spiritual, physical, cultural, professional or other challenge, embrace the magic of the season. Open your eyes and look at your world with wonder. Notice the little things that point to the vibrancy of life. Choose to see the positive in yourself and others. Give the gift of your time and attention over and over again — to yourself and to others. Be fully present. In gratitude, notice the goodness that is surrounding you, and give yourself a moment to honor the moment. Stop rushing and just be.