Out with old, in with the new! That is literally how some people welcome in the New Year. In some parts of Italy, especially in the south, Italians have the custom of throwing old things out the window, especially old pots, pans, plates and any other unwanted items. A grand gesture to let go of the past! Ecuadorians are somewhat more creative. They take old clothes, stuff them with straw and make them into effigies of the old year and then burn them on New Year’s Eve.

Against the background of an ancient marble arch, Mary and Joseph look upon the newly born Jesus. With them, we rejoice. The Light has come into the darkness. The two angels behind Joseph join in adoration with the two shepherds behind Mary. Heaven and earth unite in praise, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Each year, Christmas gives the biggest economic boost to our economy. To celebrate the day, more than 86 percent of Americans purchase gifts for family members and friends. Holiday sales exceed $1 trillion. However, the big winners in this frantic holiday spending spree are our young people. On average, most children receive anywhere from three to eight gifts and sometimes even many more. We are a society preoccupied with youth.