If you’re anything like me, you probably greet each new year thinking that the next one is going to be better than the last, and that you’re going to do everything in your power to help make it better.

This year, however, I’m feeling powerless . . . and I’m certain I have a lot of company. The world seems to have spun out of control, with the bulk of the chaos being created by one sick old man who will never willingly hand over the reins of power. And for all of our sins — including the sin of having carelessly allowed the inmates to take over the asylum — it seems that we’re being punished by Mother Nature with a shitload of natural disasters to boot.

So this is not my most joyous holiday season in memory. In my usual ecumenical fashion, I lit the menorah at sundown on each of the eight nights of Chanukah, and I shared in the lighting of the Christmas tree in the corner of the living room. The gifts are piled around the tree, ready to be torn into on Thursday morning; other relatives will be arriving soon; the big dinner is being planned; and I’m trying my best to find some joy in all of it.

Yet all I can feel thus far is sadness for the millions of people around the world whose lives have been thrown into turmoil this year, and trepidation at the thought of more to come. Will Vladimir Putin maintain his mad march through Ukraine and farther into Europe? Will Benjamin Netanyahu continue taking revenge on the people of Gaza? Will Donald Trump declare all-out war against Venezuela . . . or, for that matter, his own country?

But no . . . enough of that!

With just ten days remaining of the year 2025, I will continue to hope, albeit beyond reason, that the turning of the calendar page to January 1, 2026, will bring with it a magical transformation wherein the majority of the world’s citizens will finally opt for peace, freedom, democracy, brotherly (and sisterly) love . . . and, just for kicks, free Haagen-Dazs for all.

It doesn’t take much to make me happy.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
12/22/25