To the editor: 

As we gather this Christmas season, let’s pause and reflect on what family truly means—and what it should still represent today. There was a time when families stood together in love, faith, and acceptance. Differences in beliefs, values, and life choices were not reasons to divide or judge, but opportunities to respect individuality and remain connected.

This season, let us remember that true family is not about control or demands, but about how we uplift, support, and accept one another. May we choose understanding over judgment, unity over division, and forgiveness over resentment—whether hurt came through words or actions. Disagreements and misunderstandings should never turn into hate. We are not called to hold court or hand down judgments on one another; that role belongs to our Creator alone.

We must also be mindful that spreading harmful stories, disinformation, or negative narratives only fuels division and pain. Hate multiplies when it is passed along, and our world already carries more than enough of it. Take the time to reflect on that special loved one we may have lost to death in the past. You cannot get that time back once they’re gone. Let us never allow regrets or holding grudges to ride “shotgun” in our lives.

This Christmas let’s stop judging others and holding grudges. Let’s not allow differences to tear families apart. May this season be one of remembrance, healing, and choosing love over hate.

Helen Sosnowski

Woodbourne, NY