Holidays often have a deep sense of hope built into them.  Thanksgiving is hope realized in a bountiful crop.  Hanukkah is hope realized in the dedication of the Second Temple and the restoration of cultural customs in the second century BCE.  Christmas is hope realized in the coming of the Son of God into the world.  The New Year celebration is hope realized in the dawn of a new year with new possibilities.

Today we are more accessible and available than we have ever been. Technology allows us to connect from around the world in an instant through email, text, Twitter, Facebook, phone calls, and Skype.