It’s that time of year. Stores are packed with shoppers hoping to snag the best deals. Families are gathering in their living rooms to sing carols and welcome in the next parranda. The smell of pernil asado, arroz con gandules, and coquito are overwhelming our senses.

Even with all this hustle and bustle there are many people who will not experience the joys of gathering around a tree adorned with gifts and twinkling lights on Christmas morning.  As you weave in and out of stores this holiday season or gather in the kitchen to cook Abuela’s recipes, I urge you take a moment to think of those who need a little Christmas cheer.

Whether a senior who lives alone or a young veteran who has just returned from war, many people need many different things this holiday season. A kind word to a passerby, a prayer for an ill friend or a generous donation to charities like those we’ve covered in past LATINOlinkVIEWS issues; no act of kindness is too small this Christmas.

Take time to give back to those in need and you will be rewarded handsomely. I leave you with these words from Lao Tzu:
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Love & Peace,

Marucci