The holidays are Such a Great Time to Reconnect or Create New Friendships.

Over the past weekend, I saw a beautiful movie, “Snowflower and the Secret Fan.”  The movie was based in China and centered on the friendship between two women, which began when they were very young. They call this friendship a "Lao tong" which is an ancient Chinese phrase meaning "friends for life."  They refer to each other as “sisters.”  The importance of this relationship is a women’s support for each other throughout the happiness and hardships over their lives.  For Chinese women, the Lao tong relationship was the most precious friendship bond. 

As we look back on our lives, we can all remember friendships that we thought would never end, or become less significant to us.  A friend is someone who will always be glad to hear from you regardless of how long it has been since you last spoke.  The holidays are such a great time to reconnect or create new friendships. 

The holidays tend to become hectic, we become preoccupied with decorating, baking, cooking meals and buying presents.  That’s all part of it, but if we can just take the time to call or reach out to a friend; you never know how much you can touch someone.  Watching this movie, reminded me of how each of us needs a “Lao tong.” a close friend and more importantly how we can be a great friend to someone in our lives.

“But I am sure I have always thought of Christmastime…as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women by one consent to open their shut–up hearts freely…” –Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 1843

I wish you and your family a very happy holiday and a happy and healthy new year!

Geri Ertle, Licensed Associate Broker, RE/MAX Signature, E.Setauket, NY geriertle@gmail.com (631) 379-8157       www.GeriErtle.SignatureOnline.net