The air is a chilly 39 degrees and snow blankets every grassland. It's a beautiful wintery, Christmas in Maryland. Inside the wood crackles under the flames and the living room glows from the tree lights in a heartily adorned Christmas tree.

My little girl, Ma Cherie is with me and we cozy up in front of the fireplace. Sipping eggnog, a knock at the door signals that guests have arrived.

It's a perfect Christmas with family, extended family and new friends. Tis the best way to spend Christmas.

Today is Christmas. While the air is moist here in Miami, not cold and crisp like a Dicken's novel, I have accustomed to listen to traditional Christmas songs indoors, set the air condition to a freezing 73 degrees, wrap myself in a scarf, while gazing out my kitchen dining window at swaying palms, choppy blue and green bay water and neighbors splashing in the clear blue pool and bouncing a fuzzy green tennis ball across the net. This is Christmas in Miami, not white but blue and green and I am thankful it is not below freezing temperatures.

Despite difficult times around, I am grateful for many blessings. For my family, for good health, for the improved health of my mother after an accident this August, for my friends and their support during a recent loss, for my children (pets) and their unconditional love and the valuable lessons they teach me, for having a beautiful home, and a stable job with health benefits. Despite some difficult moments this year, I am still blessed in many ways.

I wish all of you a Merry Christmas. No matter your religion, my Christmas wish is a wish of new beginnings, joy, hope and peace for all mankind.