For many the holidays that end the year are a challenging time. We’re told to “deck the halls and let’s be jolly,” but for many, it’s hard to be happy, particularly when world crises, health and money problems and work and family stresses loom. If anything, the merriment of the season, far from lightening and brightening our troubles, only tends to throw them into shadowy relief.
But the Christmas story the season celebrates is not one of light without darkness or hope with despair. Rather, it is a story of light and hope in the face of darkness and despair. In that spirit, we thought you’d enjoy reading our December WAG story about Nenad Bach, a Croatian-born singer-songwriter – and Croton-on-Hudson resident – whose music and quest for world peace have resonated with everyone from Luciano Pavarotti to Bruce Springsteen to Bono. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he helped found Ping Pong Parkinson to improve his coordination – and that of others.
Also in the Christmas spirit is Barnes & Noble’s holiday book pick, Charlie Mackery’s “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” (HarperOne, $24, 99). A lonely boy, a mole that likes cake, a self-protective fox, a gentle horse, bewitching drawings and thoughts on what truly makes a successful life blend for an instant holiday classic.
However, you celebrate or spend the 12 days of Christmas, we at WAG wish you joy of the season. May its true meaning give you peace.
– Georgette Gouveia
