Dear Friends:
Hug everyone tighter and let's be good to each other.

This year my Holiday letter is very different from ones I've written in the past. With all the fear surrounding the news of the day, you may think I'll be joining with everyone else and sounding warnings of doom and gloom. READ ON because that's not how I feel.

I'm old enough and have lived in this country all my life. I can remember many, many times when we thought things couldn't get any worse. Whether we've had financial, political or social set backs, people in this country don't let adversity paralyze them.

I remember the stories my parents told me about their lives during the Depression. During that time, my father worked three jobs to help his family and his mother, my beloved Grandmother, Mirtle, drove across this country as a traveling salesperson to keep food on the table. They did what they had to and that's what I want to do. I hope you'll join me.

Historically we Americans don't waste a lot of time feeling sorry for ourselves. Especially at this time of year, we have to focus on the basics — not how much wealth and stuff we have but the many things we have to be grateful for; family, friends, and the generosity of others.

It's the time of year when we celebrate family, our cultures, and the very foundations of our people. We don't have to do it with elaborate gifts and glitzy parties but we do have to do it with love, charity and every bit of optimism we can put together.

I know many of you are fearful of the future, you're wondering how we got into this mess. The only thing I know is faith in ourselves, faith in others, faith in our country, and faith in God will guide us.

As I have for many years, I spent time this Christmas at the Gov. Mario and Matilda Raffa Cuomo Early Childhood Center run by HeartShare Human Services. This time we took a camera to show you how adorable these children are. HeartShare takes care of families and their children with developmental disabilities and has for almost 100 years. I have had the honor of serving on their Board for over 10 years.

Every year Frank and I would bring gifts and read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to each of the classrooms. Santa would miraculously arrive and talk to the children. Since Frank's death I have made sure I kept up the tradition — Santa was there again this year... looking a little different but always putting a smile of their sweet faces. These are the traditions that make Christmas special to me.

Several days later Frank's family came with me to visit the Adult Home run by HeartShare and named in honor of Frank's parents. We were warmly welcomed, as always. Even though we brought gifts to the residents, what they did for us was even more special.

They decorated the house, served us a lovely lunch and made us wonderful hand-made gifts. Their generosity is exactly what I mean. It's not what you spend on gifts, it's about the warmth and love we share with each other.

I wish you and your families a safe, healthy and Happy New Year. Together we can get through these difficult times and be better people when we come around on other side.

My love to each of you!
Linda

ON THE HORIZON
I hope to have news about a new project that I am involved with. It features Jill Larson (Opal-AMC) and Julia Barr (Brooke-AMC) and other well know actors.

The Linda Dano Home Collection is back on January 15, 2009. Linda has an hour at 6 AM and then again at 2 PM EST. Here's another opportunity to use her as your free decorator for the day! She'll show you how to give your home an instant lift — share tips that will set your house apart from the rest and make your family WANT to stay home.

Until then yap with Linda on her Home Décor Q blog, read her latest post, Dress Only Once for A Holiday Home, or take a look at the Linda Dano Home Collection on QVC.

To see the paint colors Linda chose to complement her collection click here »

The hosts of Better CONNECTICUT — WFSB Eyewitness News 3 invited Linda back on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009. She was on live at 10AM and you can watch the segment right here »

She was on Better CONNECTICUT in September. Better CT posted the clip. So, to see her give advice on decorating and design for your home, click now »

Linda Dano:
Rediscovering Light aired on Lifetime Television Sunday, August 17th and October 5th — Health Corner TV.

Emmy®-winning soap star Linda Dano shares her extraordinary, heart-wrenching experiences with depression. Learn how she transformed hopelessness and despair into recovery by becoming a support partner — helping others with depression find renewed meaning and purpose. Watch it now »

Linda starred as flamboyant romance novelist, Felicia Gallant for more than 17 years on the NBC series, Another World. For the many Another World fans who were disappointed when SOAPnet dropped the series from their lineup, you can now watch episodes on Hulu »

Retro TV1
The Vintage and Rare TV Blog captures Linda's starring roles on Nancy Drew Mysteries and The Rockford Files. YouTube Flashback »

Stardish Blog Talk Radio
On Tuesday, June 3rd Linda joined the folks over at Stardish to dish the dirt. Mouse on by StarDish Radio »

Soaps.com
Soaps.com exclusive interview!

Linda's latest Fashion File Column in SOD

Top 10 Fashion Must Haves »

Joan Hamburg took her show on the road — Linda joined her at The Shadowbrook Inn. During the broadcast she had a chance to talk to the audience and show them items from The Linda Dano Home Collection for QVC. Download the Podcast »

Focus Features' Reservation Road, the 2007 Feature Film where Linda plays Jennifer Connelly's mother, "Beth," and Elle Fanning's grandmother is now out on DVD.

Read the reviews, watch the trailer or put it on your iPod.