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It is that time of year when you walk outside, the air smells crisp and the skies are a little grey. Jack Frost has touched the window panes with his magic fingers and the ice scraper needs to come out of the glove box in order to scrape off the front car window. Street lights take on a new aura as their red and green lights blink on and off.

You begin to drive down the side streets on your way home to see who has the best light show on their lawn, and the children have sent their wish lists off to Santa. If you haven’t guessed what time of year it is, it is Christmas time. Christmas itself represents a Holiday season that has taken on countless meanings all over this diverse country of ours; from snow covered hills like in NYC Christmas streets to pink lights on palm trees, nativity scenes to peppermint pigs.

Ebenezer Scrooge and The Grinch, as well as Miracle on 34th Street and It’s A Wonderful Life, all hold a special place in our hearts. Some of us may travel across the country like on Christmas cruises during Christmas time, while others of us may simply travel across the street. No matter what our Christmas traditions are, there is one very strong connection that we all share.

Recent events in our country’s history, [9-11, Hurricane Katrina], remind us all of this connection and continue to strengthen that bond every day. This time of year we gather together with friends and family. As we gather, some of us may celebrate the birth of Christ, some of us may light candles on a Menorah, some of us may simply unwrap gifts with glee without a second thought.

Yet there is no doubt, no question, that we all gather to celebrate each other. We gather to celebrate life, and family, and those we love. We gather to enjoy good food, good conversation and good company. We reminisce about past holidays, remember those we love who are no longer with us, and plan for the future.

We share photos, Christmas cards, we share gifts, and we share laughs. At Christmas time we look for the innocent sparkle in our children’s eyes as we help them to create their own memories, and tuck them soundly into bed with a smile on their faces as ‘visions of sugar plums dance in their heads’.

No matter our age, our race, or our nationality; No matter our heritage, our upbringing, or our traditions; At Christmas time, we live, we laugh, and we love.

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