My favourite story in our December issue (which, by the way, can you believe is on newsstand next week)?! The editor’s note: Between Friends. Why? It’s so inspiring to read my coworkers’ hopes and dreams for the new year coming -- 2012. The one I regard with special favour? I won’t lie -- it’s mine.

It’s important that we continue to embrace and welcome new Canadians with open arms.

Why? Because my parents came to this country as immigrants in the ’50s, and my life is different because of their decision. I’ve had tremendous educational and employment opportunities that I would never have had if they hadn’t emigrated. Every day, I’m grateful to live right here, right now. I think we’re very fortunate and I think Canada is one of the best places in the world to live. And here are a few more from staff that didn’t make it in.

That we each take the time to model social goodness. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, donating gently used goods or raising funds for an honourable charity. -- Jennifer Melo, senior web editor

Yes, this, too! I love this and hope for more social goodness, as well, in the coming year.

My wish is for all families to gather together, to be happy and healthy, creating wonderful memories to cherish forever with people they love. – Olga Goncalves Costa, administrator

It’s all about making time and connecting with the people we love, so we know what's going on in their lives, their hopes, their dreams, their fears -- and being there to support them. This is how it starts, isn’t it? First, you have to give your voice a dream. Who will ever forget Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, delivered almost 50 years ago? The words are as powerful today as they were then. His call to let freedom ring starts with “I have a dream.” And what parent would ever shoot down this dream?

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  – Martin Luther King Jr.

Let us have faith in our hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow in the coming year. Let us recognize that we are more alike than not, and that many of our thoughts are born of universal faith in the light that lives within each of us and connects us to the light of others. And let us have faith in Lack Layton’s final words, a beautiful dream born of sentiment from his heart for all Canadians, in fact, for everyone on earth.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world. – Jack Layton

How about you? Do you have a dream for the new year?