Some of you, we know, will read this article with a heavy heart—a heart made heavier by the holiday season.

“Who are they kidding?” you may be asking. “Where’s MY holiday spirit supposed to come from?”

To you, we say please don’t ever toss hope aside. Yes, in these uncertain economic times this holiday season may not be your greatest ever. But strive with all your might to leave the door of your heart open—for hope to find its way in.

Give a try to one or two of the above suggestions and hold ever so tight to the hope—the very real hope—that even if the holiday spirit doesn’t happen for you this December, it WILL come. It WILL. It WILL.

  And when it does, it will feel that much the sweeter because of your patience, your nobility in hardship, your fortitude through the challenging times.

  Happy Holidays.