Indeed, you will be celebrating your New Year in much the same way that we Americans mark our holidays -- by gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and stories, and looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope.

WHITEHOUSE: The President's Message to the Iranian People

This year, I had been mulling in my mind the idea of exchanging fewer gifts at the large family dinner we do each year.

FORBES: Want to Change Your Gifting Ritual? Propose Changes at Thanksgiving