Count your blessings and make it the best Christmas yet

Despite the season's hectic pace, Christmas usually is a time of happiness. Why shouldn't it be? Family gatherings, church services, parties and acts of kindness for others engender outward joy and inner peace. For some, however, it's hard to be happy this time of year. Maybe there was a death in the family. It could be the holidays bring back sad memories. Perhaps someone is struggling with a tough personal situation.