A small gift, and an unexpected one at that.

In the attic, a vintage card was found, pre-signed by my mother. She's not on earth anymore, very much missed. She loved, reveled in the joy in Christmas and all that entailed; she especially loved giving, and having her family around her. Opened the card, saw that beautiful cursive handwriting, smiled. The front artwork has bits of glitter that catch the light as real snow does. A small signature almost hidden in the bottom right corner of the artwork on the front of the card appears to be “P. Decker” – may be the artist who created this old-fashioned winter scene of bringing home the tree with a happy dog out front. The back of the card has “A Sunshine Card Made in the U.S.A.” printed on it.

Compassion, hope, light. May you inspire others by the way you live and by your example. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Hold together, stick to what's right. The battle between good and evil is as old as time. Make your life count, even if it is choosing to do one small act of kindness, or step in when cruelty is seen.

Honor this season in your own way. Light a candle, raise the bar.

Look for additional winter break listings here – ideas to spend time together or just to go out walking with others. But now – time for family, friends, food, gatherings, quiet contemplation. Or maybe healing.

“There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free.” – Walter Cronkite