You're wrapping gifts. I'm making cocktail sauce for the shrimp. You’re stressed. I’m stressed. Take a deep belly breath and focus on what is really going on here. What a luxury it is to be stressed over a holiday such as this one, a season of light and love. This season is a gift – like this video. [HTML1] When I think of all the gifts we get at this time of year, I love the human ones the best. I'm talking about people, the ones that make our own personal worlds a better place. Right now, I’m talking about my friend, Julia Armstrong. She sings in the choir featured in the video, Schola Magdalena, and it was filmed by Paulus Productions for Bravo! It's a visual interpretation of “Alleluia,” an ancient Hebrew word of prayer meaning “All Hail to Him Who Is.” Julia’s been a huge support to me in my life ever since I met her at Canadian Living years ago. She doesn't work here anymore, she moved on years ago. But I still miss her. Why? She’s lovely. She’s honest, she’s bright and she’s smart. She's been an amazing friend when some truly awful things happened to me. And she's been there for some very good laughs, including one time I wanted to die when I left a voice mail that I meant to leave for her for an unintended recipient instead, reminding me that no one had died. Her friendship is as real and as tangible to me as Santa Claus is to kids – only better because she doesn't disappear up a chimney for the rest of the year! The best part? She’s not afraid to let her light shine. Especially when she sings. I don't sing much, but I can't deny the power of beautiful voices in song, especially at Christmastime. I hope you enjoy the gift of Schola Magdalena this year as much as I do. Alleluia and Merry Christmas, every one. What about you? What's your favourite gift that doesn't come wrapped under a tree?