Let Us Have Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Us

Posted on December 25, 2023 by Charlene Giannetti in Opinion

With war raging on two continents, our own country divided in the run up to the 2024 election, is it possible to find peace on earth, let alone in our own lives? As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, there will be no celebration where he was born, in Bethlehem. Immigrants, fleeing the violence and poverty in their countries, find there is no welcome mat at our border. And many families will gather around the holiday table hoping to pass the mashed potatoes and stuffing while avoiding political discussions. 

When I talk to family and friends I find I’m not the only one spending anxious days and sleepless nights. It can all seem overwhelming. But we can hit the pause button for a week or two and find joy wherever we can. As a start, let’s start small by helping someone who needs our help, whether that’s a hand out or a hands up. Let’s practice self care to be there for those around us. Above all, let’s have hope in our country and in ourselves that truth will win over lies, right over wrong, and love over hate.

Merry Christmas!

Artwork by Marsha Solomon

About Charlene Giannetti (752 Articles)
Charlene Giannetti, editor of Woman Around Town, is the recipient of seven awards from the New York Press Club for articles that have appeared on the website. A graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Charlene began her career working for a newspaper in Pennsylvania, then wrote for several publications in Washington covering environment and energy policy. In New York, she was an editor at Business Week magazine and her articles have appeared in many newspapers and magazines. She is the author of 13 non-fiction books, eight for parents of young adolescents written with Margaret Sagarese, including "The Roller-Coaster Years," "Cliques," and "Boy Crazy." She and Margaret have been keynote speakers at many events and have appeared on the Today Show, CBS Morning, FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and many others. Her last book, "The Plantations of Virginia," written with Jai Williams, was published by Globe Pequot Press in February, 2017. Her podcast, WAT-CAST, interviewing men and women making news, is available on Soundcloud and on iTunes. She is one of the producers for the film "Life After You," focusing on the opioid/heroin crisis that had its premiere at WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, where it won two awards. The film is now available to view on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other services. Charlene and her husband live in Manhattan.

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