Well, here it is again. Holiday time is nigh, bringing its moments of high joy and awful lows. No stranger to them, I've come up with a fail-safe for these special days when it seems the whole world is being warmly embraced by a loved one — everyone but you. That's when your second family shows its true colors, being there for you and with you. Think of it — a second family, hand-picked and sitting next to you on holidays when your original family members are too distant for a quick visit and thoughts of them are weighing heavy on your heart.

How to make this happen? Right now, before the next holiday season, send out word via friends and acquaintances about a holiday family. Watch how people take to the idea, and watch the list of names grow. People will contact you with their ideas, ways to expand your germ of an idea into reality. Pretty soon, there'll be meetings, shared meals, first-name friendships. Their friends will meet your friends, and friendship will be on the agenda. And I'd very much like to be with your holiday family. But if all the chairs are taken this year, let's at least share a toast: "To holiday families everywhere, raise your glass to heaven, from whom all blessings flow."

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com.

Photo credit: Sarah Stierch