As 2013 comes to a close, it would be easy to look back and view many of the year’s events in a mostly negative light. Yet, rather than dwell on those events, there is reason to believe 2014 will be a positive one, both for the United States, and the rest of the world. A bipartisan budget agreement is in the works to avoid another crisis that has included reasonable concessions by both Democrats and Republicans. While the Winter Olympics will likely be a success, it may be overshadowed by leaders from around the world skipping the event; an act of protest toward the anti-gay propaganda law passed in 2013, and an unprecedented step to respect human dignity abroad.

Obviously there will be challenges, but they can be overcome. To that end, CNN has compiled five things to remember about Christmas and life in general. Merry Christmas.