The Power of Belonging
Sarah Kittle
As we close out the year, this December issue invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with our heritage, our families, and the communities that sustain us. The end of the year has a way of drawing us back to what matters most, and across these pages you’ll find a theme that carries through each story: the power of belonging, whether expressed through gratitude, service, shared history, or the simple joy of being together.
Our Christmas Gift Guide highlights the personal touches that make the holidays meaningful—thoughtful ways to celebrate the people who anchor our lives. These gestures, small or grand, remind us that the holidays are ultimately about relationships, not simply rituals. That spirit of appreciation echoes through Seasons of Gratitude, where multiple generations reflect on the lessons, blessings, and responsibilities passed down through family. Together, these features invite us to consider the ways tradition continues to shape our present and guide our future.
We extend that same sense of connection to the broader world. Mike Sarafa’s column, introducing five new ambassadors to the Iraq–U.S. relationship, speaks to diplomacy grounded in understanding, shared futures, and the belief that bridges are built through mutual respect. Our Culture & History feature on Telleskuf—told in both English and Arabic—reminds us of historical roots and the endurance of the Chaldean people.
Meanwhile, Iraq Today offers essential context on the country’s current elections, helping us stay informed about the evolving landscape of the ancestral homeland. Together, these pieces underscore the enduring ties between the community here and the place from which it draws so much of its identity.
Closer to home, we spotlight the creativity, determination, and accomplishments shaping the local Chaldean American experience. From the second installment of CCF Artwork to our profile of Joseph Naayem, we celebrate individuals and organizations enriching our collective story through art, innovation, and leadership. Our Family Foundations article explores brothers working side by side, showing how enterprise, trust, and family values often intertwine to shape both business and legacy.
December also means togetherness and tradition. Our Family Time guide shares festive activities for all ages—opportunities to laugh, create, and make memories that last long after the season ends. The start of the Chaldean Hockey League season brings friendly competition and community spirit back to the rink, offering a reminder that connection often grows strongest in shared moments of play. And as joyful as this season can be, we also recognize its emotional complexities. Our feature on mental health around the holidays offers grounding insight and gentle reassurance for anyone navigating seasonal shifts, loss, or the pressure that can accompany year’s end.
Finally, we look ahead with intention. The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Board Election marks another chapter in the community’s leadership and its vision for the future—an opportunity to shape what comes next with clarity and purpose.
In every article this month, you’ll find reminders of who you are—people bound by history, hope, generosity, and resilience. As we turn the page on another year, may this issue inspire you to celebrate your roots, hold your loved ones close, and enter the new year with renewed connection, gratitude, and purpose.
Warmest wishes for a peaceful holiday season!
Sarah Kittle
Editor in Chief