In my experience, life is rarely a straight line. Even when we know exactly what we want and plan everything right down to the smallest detail to be sure that things will turn out exactly as we want them to be, that's not always how it ends up.

The holiday season is sort of the same. For some, maybe it really is the way it’s portrayed on television—with everyone smiling and laughing together with happy-looking friends and family, receiving the perfect gift at the perfect time in the coziest of settings. But for many, that’s not really how it is.

Still, as I've written in the context of coming to terms with my daughter's stroke, given enough time and reflection, I've found that there is normally something to be grateful for just the same. For myself, I’d say that the gifts for which I am most grateful aren’t those that I’ve found under the tree (although I am grateful for those too). The best gifts have been those that can’t be wrapped—like the times when an unexpected sense of kindness and compassion has made the difference between desperation and hope, a new idea has made the difference between success and failure and a thoughtful e-mail or kind word has brought encouragement at just the right time.

So, in this holiday season, I wish everyone much happiness and most of all, a new year full of presents that can't be wrapped.