Maybe this year I'll celebrate New Year's Eve the way my mother used to have us do when we were little. At midnight she would have us kneel, thanking God for the old year, and praying, as we'd bring in the New Year. Later, she would return to the kitchen and make us bu?elos sprinkled with sugar and honey; they were to die for.

And though we may be heading for a deeper recession, with many of us struggling to keep our heads above water, pay the mortgage, keep our jobs, keep food on the table, I'm optimistic about how we may find greater meaning in our lives — the gift in giving. Every day I see people reaching out and caring for each other. Part of it may be the Christmas spirit that brings out the kindness that lies within each of us this time of the year. The other part may be the conditions of the times where we see people we know struggling to make ends meet.

There is another unfolding phenomenon that raises the question: Is it the times that create leaders or leaders that create the times? And it's what should give us hope for a brighter future — the rise of a younger generation eager to give to their country. This new generation of young people has grown up at a time of our nation's dramatic shift into a new world driven by technology, information, demographics and globalization. They understand the challenges our society faces and our planet as well. As one of them, President-elect Barack Obama seems to understand the conditions of the times and be able to put into words what we're going through. Most important, he has been able to reach the next generation made up of young people who are seeking their place in the world and who are worried about their future and that of their planet. He challenged them, and all of us, to service of our country; and they responded with enthusiasm.

This new generation and their leaders understand the challenges we face and the work that needs to be done. Obama has been able to surface the inherent drive in all of us, the well-being of our society, a drive basic to the survival of any society. He has done it by appealing to the goodness and kindness within us and the desire to work for the common good. He has called upon us to make the collective sacrifice during the difficult times we are facing, reminding us that we share a common destiny. It's something Americans have always done in times of crisis. It's that spirit upon which our nation was founded and has helped us prosper.

This young generation is ready and eager to pick up the torch with a renewed commitment to work for the common good. Obama has been able to bring out what is basic to all of us, the feeling that we can contribute and are needed. Somehow, I get the sense we've always known that, but it's great to have leaders who can understand the power of people when they stand together.

I'm optimistic about our future; nevertheless, I will bring in the New Year by praying, as my mother made us do before we got the bu?elos. They may be the only things missing.

A Utah native, John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations; been on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch, served on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards; and filled White House appointments, including deputy assistant secretary of labor and as a member of the commissioin on Hispanic educatioin. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net