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Well, here we are at the end of another year and the beginning of yet another Christmas holiday season. Our community is aglow with holiday decorations and festive lights. Regardless of our age, this time of year somehow seems to bring out exhilaration over all that awaits us this month. There is much to do and seemingly little time to get it done! It's all too easy to be swept up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, baking and partying that accompanies this time of year. Many of us will be making "to do" lists and checking off things as we accomplish them. Lest we become consumed by the commercialized aspects, we would do well to remember the real meaning of the season. So, here is a checklist modification to consider: Renowned novelist, journalist and humorist, Oren Arnold had the following Christmas gift suggestions: "To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." What simple, yet profound words of wisdom that will always remain timeless in their value. Indeed, this is the time of year that we all tend to recognize the value of kindness. And, we often find ways to put aside our differences in exchange for the warmth of giving and sharing. The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge had this to say about this time of year, "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." As today's breaking news stories bombard us with despicable acts of evil and callous acts of violence perpetrated against innocents, now more than ever should we seek kindness and love of one another. We need to focus on what binds us rather than what divides us. Labels and adjectives that are so frequently and carelessly attached to people serve only to perpetuate hate and divisiveness. This holiday time is an opportunity to put aside petty differences and renew our commitments to our fellow human beings. If we envelope ourselves in the warmth of friendship by spending time with loved ones, we can create new and lasting memories. As Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Yes, indeed, this is a wonderful time of year! | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | DECEMBER 2017 | 3 Message From the Board of Directors On behalf of your Board of Directors, Jim Hatcher, Ken Pounders, Tony Criscenti, Gene Hikel, Jim Crase, and Greg Rockvam, We sincerely wish you all a very joyous holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah! Russ Brown President