This year’s best present idea never fades, never ages and never goes out of style.

The best Christmas present each of us could give this year is a dose of optimism. It’s a universal gift. It’s never the wrong size or color, never out of style and never unwelcome. Who couldn’t use a dose of optimism, especially now that the world has become increasingly uncertain, cynical, hurried and angry? We must keep in mind that there are more good things happening than bad things, and more good people than bad people. Without hope there is no reason to live, and Christmas is a time to remind ourselves that believing in good is not a thing of the past. If anything, it’s needed now more than ever.

We have all been tested by the worst recession since the Great Depression. It is understandable that the last two years have worn on us and made it difficult to keep a positive attitude. We may continue to face financial or emotional challenges, but the one thing we cannot give up is the belief that things will get better. In the midst of all of these uncertainties, it is more important than ever to find strength within ourselves and the energy to fight back by focusing on the things we can change, finding ways to adapt and working on solutions.

We all know somebody that could use a dose of optimism. Find a way to deliver them encouragement: a walk on the beach, a book, a personal flower delivery or an invitation to tea. Talk with them about ideas and focus on solutions. Share some positive energy and it will come back to you. To that end, there is plaque with a poem on one of the trails I frequent which I would like to share with all of you (though unfortunately, there is no indication of the author’s identity).

I’m thankful for the many positive comments I receive about my column. Please continue emailing me at mfrey@freymedia.com with comments, ideas, things you would like to share or one-liners of encouragement. Let’s put differences aside, stand together and continue to make a difference. Let’s continue to share the gift of optimism!

Happy holidays and onwards to a new year, where positive change will occur.

Marc Frey

The Christmas Present

There is a wood by the house where I live,
Where I walk each and every day,
It’s always a pleasure and never enough,
It’s hours I’ll spend if I may.

As I walk, I talk to the animals,
For I believe they talk back to me.
I watch them, as if time was not passing,
As though they were there just for me.

There are times, when I stop and marvel,
At the beauty of a single tree.
Sometimes, I find myself laughing
at the antiques of pied-billed grebe.

I don’t think that I’ll ever quite know,
Why I go there as much as I do.
It never fails to enchant me,
It’s something I just have to do.

It’s the chattering squirrel, the twittering bird,
It’s the sun filtering through autumn leaves.
It’s the pine laden path and the animal tracks,
It’s a gift that each day I receive.

Now in the midst of Christmas season,
If there were just one thing I could give,
It would be to wrap up in a present
Just an hour in the wood where I live.

I know this may seem rather silly,
For it’s not something that I can pack and post.
But I believe as do many others,
It’s the thought that matters most.

In a season gone to frills and to fancy,
Where money now buys most of our cheer,
Give a thought to the old ideas,
To the true meaning of this time of year.

Spend an hour with the earth and her nature,
And I promise that you’ll surely see,
The truest meaning of the season.
The one best present you could receive.

(author unknown)