As the weather outside gets frightful and another year winds down, it’s that time of year when we reflect on the year we’ve had while turning our hopes and dreams towards a new one.

It has warmed my heart to be able to visit our PLASP programs over the course of the past year and engage and play with the children, who are at the centre of everything we do. Having become a grandmother myself this year, I am reminded of how things become fresh, alive, and honest again through my grandchild’s eyes. As the saying goes, “If I had known how wonderful if would have been to have grandchildren, I would have had them first.” It is this same joy and wonder I wish for you.Whether you’ve recently observed Diwali, the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Chanukah or Bodhi Day or looking forward to celebrating Yule, Christmas, Zarathustra-no-Diso, Kwanza, Gantan-sai, the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, Lohri or Makar Sankranti… May the holiday season bring you time with loved ones, rest, reflection and, of course, a minimum of three hugs a day. I hope the new year brings along with it a sense of optimism, joy, and fulfillment.

Here's wishing you and your families a very happy holiday and wonderful new year!