The holidays are here, whether Christmas, Kwanzaa, or in the case of those with no religious affiliation, there’s always New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Whatever your conviction, this time of the year is always one of reflection.

For most people, the reason for the season is the celebration of the birth of Christ and regardless of whatever argument there is to counteract the Christian belief that Christ was born in December in a lowly manger, Christians still hang on to this tradition.

It saddens some people that in the American society, the greeting of “Happy Holidays” is slowly but surely replacing the accustomed greeting of “Merry Christmas”. But, this is simply a characteristic of the diverse society to which Caribbean and other migrants have transplanted themselves; it is not only multi-racial but also a multi-cultural and multi-religious. With Christmas being a Christian holiday, we have to be prudent to not wish Christmas on our Muslims, Jewish, Adventists, or Jehovah’s Witnesses neighbors. On the other hand, those who are committed to their Christian beliefs must not be dissuaded from celebrating the birth of Christ. A true, committed believer of whatsoever religion remains committed no matter what.

The holidays, other than being a reason to celebrate different religious traditions, commemorate the ending of one year and the anticipation of another. For varied reasons, the combination of these religious holidays and the ending of an old year is a cause for melancholy. For years, psychiatrists have been trying to determine if it’s the nostalgic mood caused by the religious implications of the holiday, the loneliness caused by the absence of loved ones when families usually gather, or the dying of a year in which set goals were not met, that causes the sadness that is often associated with the December holidays. Whatever the cause, one of the strongest symbolisms of the old year/new year is the chance to override the blues, start over, plan anew, and strive to accomplish new goals.

This should also be a time to give thanks for the past year. Regardless of our state in life, whether we lost the house, the job or the car during this passing year, if we are hearing shouts of Happy New Year! at midnight on December 31^st, it means we are alive, and that gives us paramount reason to hope and to translate this hope into reality.

To many, the past year may have been a disappointment, mainly because of economic battering brought on by local and national economic challenges. But this is America – a country that is still fraught with opportunities. Those who allow themselves to be defeated by the harsh economic times will almost certainly be lost during the coming year, which already promises to be difficult, economically. Problems have solutions and although these may require serious sacrifices, those who think creatively and positively should be able to come up them. Regardless of whatever hard times that may lie ahead, as a community, we must find a way to prevail.

It must not be forgotten that the new year will be a very important one in the history of the United States. The country is poised for, and badly needs, significant changes. People all over this land are tired of the decline in almost every aspect of our society over the past eight years. We are now ready for dramatic, positive change, and we must ensure that it takes place. Those with the advantage of being citizens of this country have the awesome power within them to realize this change. More than ever, it is imperative that in 2008 those who can vote, exercise this franchise, in city, county, and national elections. An appeal goes out to the community to pay serious attention to the political campaigns, most of which are already in progress, understand the messages of the various contenders, analyze them and vote to the best of their judgment.

Of course, the Caribbean Diaspora has a dual responsibility to ensure that they progress in the American society, and, secondly even from long distances play a role in the social and economic growth of their Caribbean homelands. No matter how much the Diaspora is absorbed and committed to their adopted homeland, we must not ignore the concerns in our respective countries. In most Caribbean countries whatever problems that exist, are related to financial challenges, and despite the hardships being experienced here, the Diaspora cannot afford to shun the responsibility of making contributions back home, while monitoring the developments taking place there.

As we celebrate the holidays, the closing of one year and the approach of another, CNWeekly News wishes the community all the goodwill that a community can share. We offer our sincere appreciation to our advertisers and readers for the support throughout 2007, and we look forward to your continued support during the coming year. May everyone be richly blessed.