As the holiday season continues, there is much to reflect upon as we gather with family and friends.

This has not been an easy year for many among us. The financial crisis has rocked both our state and nation, and has led families make to some tough decisions.

I am reminded again during the holidays that life is not about things we collect, but is about being together with those we love. Barb and I will be spending the Christmas holiday in South Dakota, thankful for all that we have been given these last 12 months. Having lost both my parents this year, I am more grateful than ever to spend the holidays with my family, including four of my five grandchildren. My mother, Ruth, and father, Van, instilled in me a strong foundation and sense of values I see today in the faces of my own children and grandchildren.

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And the cycle of life continues, as we’ll be welcoming our sixth grandchild in the coming weeks.

For many of us, our homes will be filled with family that has been brought together through the miracle of adoption. As the proud grandparent of two adoptive children, I know firsthand how enriching this process can be.

Since Tru and Peneal have come into our lives, I could not imagine a holiday season without them. As we celebrate our blessings this year, we can all be thankful that so many adoptive parents in South Dakota have opened their hearts and homes to children.

It is because of them that so many kids now have a safe, permanent, and loving place to call home this year.

If there is one thing my faith has taught me over the years, it is that we can rise to meet even our toughest challenges.

I know those values are found in many of us. I have seen just how much South Dakotans are willing to lend a hand to help their fellow man when I recently visited the Sioux Falls Community Food Bank, the Cornerstone Rescue Mission in Rapid City and met with folks from the Yankton Women’s and Children’s Center.

I saw the extraordinary work being done to meet the increased demand, and how neighbors are working together to help families put food on their tables even as they work to stretch their own bottom line. That sense of community can be found all across our state.

This recession has touched every corner of our state and nation. No one has suggested that turning the economy around was going to happen overnight, but we are making real progress. There is no doubt that the action we have taken these last 12 months will put us on a course for future growth.

As we move into the New Year, Congress will be tackling a lot of tough issues. I am confident that we can not only reform our health care system, but also focus on our first priority — getting our economy back on track. I will continue to work to find the best solutions to meet our challenges, no matter which side of the aisle they come from.

In the meantime, I am grateful to be spending this holiday season with friends and family and to have the privilege of representing South Dakota in the United States Senate.

From the entire Johnson family to yours, we are wishing you a safe and happy holiday season.

Tim Johnson is a U.S. Senator for the state of South Dakota and a member of the Democratic party.