I wrote "A New Year's Toast" during a December that brought about more than just a calendar change. My wife Cindy and I were going through many transitions. Changes in parenting as our kids moved through their late teens, changes in our outlook as long held expectations confronted new realities. There were dream changes, too. We found ourselves letting go of what mattered less; holding on to what mattered more. I've long had an affection for Christmas music. Decembers usually find me at the piano playing through all my favorites, from Charlie Brown to Nat King Cole. I love the progressions in the older holiday songs, emphasizing major sevenths and diminished chords. They always seem to speak; every December, in spite of any given year's prevailing musical trends. And so I offer this toast, and wish you all the best; whatever lies ahead. . .