Year after year, when December is here, it reminds us it is time to reflect and plan. While 2020 has undoubtedly been a challenging year because of the pandemic, we can also note the people’s kindness and resilience. Hats off to them!

December is a month filled with religious festivities and family gatherings. Besides Christians celebrating Christmas (25th), Jews observe their eight-day Hanukkah festival (10th-18th). This year, the Winter solstice falls on the 21st; on this day, the Chinese celebrate “Dongzhi” eating tangyuan, while in Japan, one may opt for a yuzu hot-bath as part of the tradition. For the Welsh, the day is “Alban Arthan, the Light of King Arthur.” Last year, we shared that the winter solstice is also known as the “Blue Christmas” Please spare some thoughts for those who have lost their dear ones and are experiencing grief.

The image for this month is the same we used at the beginning of the year. Those human dots can be any of us, from any place on this planet! This is because we have each been a part of the human story in 2020!

Please click to play the famous tune as we reach the end of the year: Auld Lang Syne!