The Hol­i­day Season

In December, we enter into the holiday season, one of the most loving and joyful times of year. Our hearts and minds open up to an incredible exchange of kindness, compassion, charity, humility, servitude, and forgiveness... all the virtues that define and elevate us as a species. If we’re fortunate, we end the year filled with hope, love, and power, for working in service of others and doing good things helps us live a purposeful life.

And then… All of the love and joy and hope that December holds is quickly followed by January. The holiday lights come down. On the street, we walk past dried-out Christmas trees. And when the discarded refuse of the season disappears from view, our loving, gentle nature often disappears with it. As a reminder for January, and all year long, I offer up to you a message for the year that resonates with me and I hope resonates with you:

“Help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more cheer than gloom, and spread more joy than despair. Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and forget momentarily all the temporary unpleasantness in their lives.”

Have a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Penney Burlingame Deal, DHA
President & Chief Executive Officer