This column was originally published last December but I am revisiting it again here just before Christmas because I feel it has a good message.

Christmastime, as a kid, is an exciting time. We used to manhandle the Sears Wish Book every year to see what new toys were being offered and we let our parents know how much we wanted, or “needed” this or that. Nowadays, Amazon and many other websites keep kids scrolling for hours to find that perfect toy, video game, etc., etc.

As adults, we have other dreams and wishes during this time of year. We hope our children will be happy with their gifts and try to instill that “giving” is just as important as “getting.” As grandparents, we try to fulfill our grandchildren’s “wish list” but also think a lot about their future. 

The world is a much different place than it was when we Baby Boomers were growing up. Yes, our president was assassinated, the country was engaged in a war in Vietnam that we didn’t quite understand, and the Civil Rights movement and Cold War had us tuned to the TV news every night.

There seem to be so many issues kids are seeing these days on TV, over the internet and in newspapers that it has to be worrisome for these young minds to comprehend: the state of the environment, civil and political unrest, a pandemic ... it is no wonder that there are kids and young adults who are experiencing psychological problems.

It takes a village to raise a child and hopefully my grandchildren – and your children and grandchildren – will be surrounded by people who will provide hope for their future and give them love and the education they need to help resolve some of these issues during their adult years.