As we head toward the end of the year, it is often a time we spend reflecting. Americans are doing a lot of reflecting and it seems that the message coming across loud and clear is that they maybe don’t have a lot to celebrate this Christmas….that it’s not going to be such a jolly Christmas after all.

According to a Bloomberg News National Poll, 66% of those who responded feel that our country has gotten off on the wrong track. Only 27% believe our country is headed in the right direction with 51% indicating they are worse off now than they were two years ago. That’s not exactly good news for the Obama administration, with some believing he has dug himself a hole so deep he won’t be able to crawl out of it.

Last week’s Gallup poll showed that the approval ratings for President Obama were lower than they have been in the past for former President George W. Bush. However, according to the Bloomberg poll, 52% of Americans have a favorable view of President Obama.

What specifically do Americans disapprove of when it comes to Obama? More Americans disapprove of the way he has handled our debt, his poor performance in creating jobs and they aren’t too thrilled with his policies either.

Of course, a lot is riding on Obama’s tax plan. It seems that while at one time the national deficit was an issue, taxes have become an overriding issue. At this point in time we are not exactly sure what we are going to be facing tax-wise come the New Year.

Speaking of taxes, according to the Bloomberg poll, 67% are in favor of means testing for Medicare and Social Security while reducing benefits for the rich. In fact, 59% favor ridding tax cuts for American’s wealthiest citizens. In addition, 70% were in favor of the idea behind taxing profits for Wall Street.

It would appear that Americans are ready to take on the wealthy and see them give up something. Maybe we are hoping they will play a St. Nick role and hand out all their goodies to others.

With all of these reflections that can put a lot of damper into the holiday spirits, perhaps we have hope for the New Year. If there is one thing that most Americans agree upon is that they are tired of the fighting between the Democrats and the Republicans. In fact 87% of the respondents say that our country would be better off if they could work together, even if it means compromising some of their principles. In other words, thinking about the good of the people.

No matter what is going on in the political arena, as Americans we can still find things to be thankful for. I realize this won’t be easy for those who have lost their jobs, homes, are sick and the list could go on. But there is always hope and all we can do is hope for a better tomorrow, a better New Year.