That time of year

Normally about this time of year it is my habit to write something disparaging about the coming festivities, commercialism and all the hype that goes with it! This year I have decided that in spite of the fact that I still feel the same way about the whole ridiculous mess, that I am not going to, instead, I am reflecting on a year. A year where the world lost a lot of well known and important artists! A political landscape which went against all the so called accepted wisdom! A world where violence continues to create, death, tragedy, homelessness, wrecked lives and seems to have no end in sight! A world where some of the old enmity between East and West reared its ugly head once more! A world where many of the rich and powerful continue to abuse their wealth and power! A world where self-interest and xenophobia has become more prevalent! A world where material gain is still sort in a never ending parade of spending! A world that nature shows that it is the most powerful of all forces! A world which continues to judge people by the colour of their skin, religion or gender! A world that has shrunk in our ability to get to all places but has grown in our inability to be inclusive! A world where the warped and twisted interpretation of religious doctrine drives believers in to unspeakable acts of terrorism because others do not believe what they do! A world we are destroying in so many ways that it is impossible to keep up! 
Now in case you are beginning to think that I have lost my normal " half glass full" attitude let me assure you that I am still optimistic!  
Why?
Well we have a world, where people still care about others! A world where heroic acts no matter how large or small are carried out every day! A world where there is love! A world that the majority of people live in peace! A world that in spite of differences dialogue goes on! A world that has friends who care! A world where there are enough of us who condemn bigotry, hatred, violence, racism, mysogeny and prejudice. A world of wonder and beauty. A world of humour, wit and satire. A world where kindness is done!
I could go on and on and usually I do but I think you get the gist.
The world is full of danger and uncertainty but it is the only one we have!