We are at crossroads again, standing at the threshold, enjoying our present as the past tempts us to reminiscence and the future beckons us to the unknown. 2009 has been a year of ups and downs, recession, housing bubble, job losses, and credit card debts. The list has been long and nasty, but we are working through the mess and finding our way out. As the New Year approaches, it gives us additional motive to introspect and plot new goals for what’s ahead.

This month, we bring you a cheery holiday issue filled with useful tips and articles to help you enjoy your holiday season. Tour the Sonoran Desert with Daniela, eat at Xpo with Vim; and enjoy holiday events with Vidya! For all our readers who are looking for gift ideas this season, we bring you two book reviews by Maaike and by Oleg. The books will make a good read but they will also make fantastic gifts. If you are a male spouse and new to WBFN do not forget to join our newly formed and quickly growing Male Spouse gatherings—an update by Robert Marson will tell you why you need to! We feature two discerning articles, one by our Teens that exposes how Language connects people and the other by Corrie where she talks of how transition can be tough on adults too! These articles help reiterate the message that social context is what drives our lives! What better time than the holidays to come together with people? This holiday season, let us help you find a friend, an opportunity, a conversation, a smile here at WBFN. Come join this wonderful group and find out what you have been missing…In the coming year we hope to see more members. Until then…have fun and Happy Holidays!

Vidya Rangan.