Like most years, 2011 was a year of conflict. Democratic revolutions shook the Arab world. Protests against corporate greed spread from Wall Street to the rest of the country, including Honolulu’s Thomas Square. A devastating earthquake and tsunami caused unspeakable destruction in Japan, prompting a heartfelt outpouring of support from Hawaii and a wake-up safety call for Japan’s nuclear industry. A nearly nine-year, trillion-dollar war ended in Iraq. Hated tyrants and most-wanted terrorists died.

Here at home, the year opened with a gaping state budget deficit and often bitter public debates over priorities: Union contracts, pension benefits, the environment, education, the social services safety net, just to name a few.

The city’s $5.17 billion rail transit project, the most emotionally charged public policy issue in years, remains on track in the face of legal challenges.

The growing ranks of the homeless on Oahu streets and parks testified to the economic inequality that is separating us from each other. A rising unemployment rate, spiked by the closure of the two Hawaii Medical Center facilities this month, has given new urgency to helping those suffering in the economic downturn.

We will bring many these conflicts with us into 2012. They are tough, tough problems to solve.

But there is reason for optimism: The economy is slowly improving, both here and nationwide. And our desire and determination to create a better Hawaii is the common thread that gives us cause for hope: a fitting theme for Christmas.

Even so, our challenges are for another day, not today. With apologies to Charles Dickens, Christmas is not about the past or future. Today we celebrate Christmas in the moment, honoring traditions that remind us of the essential goodness of life.

We surround ourselves with lights, ornaments and tinsel, to remind us that our world can be bright and beautiful even if it’s gloomy outside.

We give gifts to our loved ones and to strangers in need, to remind us that generosity is essential to our own well-being and that of our community.

We worship, to remind us of our spiritual nature and the sacredness of creation.

We celebrate with family and friends, to remind us that none of us is truly alone, and that we depend on each other.

Of course, Christmas can be filled with sadness, too; the loss of a precious loved one is felt more acutely during the holidays. It’s a dull pain that doesn’t go away.

The loss need not be through death; it can be through estrangement or a simple lack of companionship, the pain of loneliness.

So for those of us fortunate enough to have received the gifts of the season, let us not take our blessings for granted.

Take time to live in the holiday spirit.

Honolulu City Lights is a joy to behold, especially with young children.

Show your generosity: Donations to the Good Neighbor Fund, food pantries, churches and shelters are good ways to help.

Even a random donation or a kind word for someone who needs it — our homeless neighbors, perhaps? — can help bring more joy to the world.

And with our families and friends, let us celebrate this Christmas and every Christmas as if it were our last.

Let our kisses be deeper, our hugs tighter, our smiles wider, our conversations longer.

There are no guarantees in this world, and life comes with as many sorrows as joys. But life is a precious thing and worth celebrating, today and every day.

Merry Christmas!