Well, I can’t say that I’d been dreaming of a white
Christmas. It’s seventy degrees and sunny here in Clearwater, Florida. However,
despite the lack of snowmen and icicles, the spirits have been high leading to
this December 25th. At this time of year, as we gather with family
and friends around the Christmas tree or the glowing light of the Menorah, it’s
easy to get preoccupied with the material things. While I rejoice at the shiny
new camera lens that my family purchased for me, I am far more thankful for the
immaterial gifts of time and memories that we share together. 2013, waning into
its final few days, has been a year of lessons and surprises, none the least of
which is how quickly that unperceivable thing we call luck can change. So I say
that every new day of fine health and opportunities is a gift. As are the fine
memories of we make with each Christmas carol we sing, every holiday movie we
watch, every gift we open and every embrace we receive in the company of those
dearest to us. The greatest gifts and treasures, the only treasures worth clutching
near, are not hidden beneath wrapping paper or tied with bows. Rather, they are
the friends and loved ones we hold dear. So I give thanks and wish a Merry
Christmas to all those who read this Christmas message and I hope you will take
a moment to pass on the same wish to someone dear to you.
Thank you and Happy Holidays
L. Polyak
