Spreading hope, peace, joy and love starts with a simple greeting

An incident occurred the other day that got me thinking about this time of year.

Walking into a grocery store last Saturday, I encountered a Salvation Army red kettle bell-ringer standing outside the entrance in the cold and snow, trying best to stay warm while doing his job. As I approached, he greeted us with a cheerful, if somewhat numb “Happy Holidays.”

My response was immediate. I replied, “Happy Holidays,” and added “to you as well.”

I’m not particular about holiday greetings, other than I appreciate it that someone is making the effort to wish me well, and generally reply in kind. It’s...