'Tis the season, happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, these are the greetings we all hear this time of year.  But why can't we be this nice to each other all year?  Is it the anticipation of a New Year and the hope that a new year will bring something different and better to our lives?  Our lives do contain many cycles that revolve around a calendar; and that cyclic change does make life interesting.  But I like to think that being nice to each other does not depend on a calendar.  My Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Year, Winter Solstice (and any other observances) wish is that the "holiday spirit" stay with all of us past January 1 and continues with no end in sight.  Giving to charity should not be motivated by a tax deductions, food banks need donations year round, and offering a helping hand or a smile should be a habit.  We will all be happier when we treat each other the way we want to be treated.  Enjoy your holidays, and keep the holiday spirit alive throughout the year.