One of the most memorable Christmas traditions in my family growing up was blowing wishes into our Christmas stockings before hanging them for Santa. I can still visualize my nine-year old self awash in the golden glow of the Christmas tree, breathing in deeply and gently blowing wishes for goodwill toward all. I wished for the world to be a better place. In that gentle, slow exhale, my younger self sent prayers for people all around the world to be at peace, to have good food to eat, and to find happiness and love. To this day I can conjure up the intensity with which I wished with all my he...