December is a month of universal celebration, where light, hope and renewal shine brightly against the backdrop of winter’s longest nights. Across the globe, this month brims with traditions that honor resilience and joy, drawing from stories of community and reflection. From the soft glow of candles in homes to the lively rhythm of parades and the warmth of festive feasts, December invites us to look back on the year’s journey, embrace the present with gratitude and welcome the future with hope. Ancient customs blend with modern festivities, showcasing the vibrant expressions of cultures that connect us across centuries and continents.
Even in the best of times, social isolation is a significant problem. In Maine, over 135,000 people 50 and older live alone and are at higher risk of social isolation. Download our free resources flyer here.
Maudie Scott’s view of what constitutes a community—its scars, attributes and potential—started taking shape when, at age 10, she joined her sharecropper parents in harvesting South Carolina tobacco. The field owner’s children, who were white, also gathered leaves during the fall harvest.
Nine entities across the Tar Heel State received AARP Community Challenge grants in 2024 for quick-action projects to help make communities more livable.