Every year we seem to say how much we can’t believe it’s December already, and how quickly time passes. Usually, that sentiment comes with a chuckle and a shrug. These days, though, it hits a little differently. Now, it’s paired with the quiet awareness of a clock ticking toward November 2028 with a sharp inhale followed by a flicker of resolve.

It’s human nature to live toward the next milestone, a vacation, a reunion, a long weekend. In the rush to get to whatever’s next, we forget to notice the here and now. We’re told not to wish time away, to savor the days we have, to embrace the now. But in a world where hatred and bigotry are prominent across our screens and our neighborhoods, it’s hard not to look longingly toward a future that feels safer, braver, and more than just the current moment in time.

That’s exactly why this season matters. With the holidays upon us, we need to be reminded to treasure what’s right in front of us. That includes the people we love, the small victories we’ve won, and the community we continue to build together. This month, give yourself permission to step away from the noise. Unplug when you can, for as long as you can. Laugh loudly with strong determination. Rest without guilt. Celebrate the good you’ve helped make possible.

Even with the bold vision we all hold for tomorrow, what we choose to nurture today, the connections, compassion, and courage, is what will carry us there. So for everyone reading this, may your holidays be filled with hope, fortitude, hope, and joy enough that it makes easy the work ahead.

In Solidarity,
Sarah F.