This Christmas has been marked by far too much anguish, from the families still rebuilding their lives after Sandy to the thousands of Filipinos devastated by Bopha to the unspeakable tragedy at Newtown last week. In the face of so much pain, I think we all feel some guilt for celebrating when so many are unable to do so. While we should, without a doubt, do everything that we can to help those who aren't as fortunate, these events should also serve to remind us about how short and fleeting life can be and how we should squeeze every bit of joy out of it while we are still able to.

Count your blessings. Hold the ones you love closer. Soak up everything wonderful that life has to offer. And my dear readers, please have the happiest holidays that you possibly can.