By Randy Arrington, publisher
Inspired by our Christmas Day “Today in History” feature, we thought we would take this opportunity to wish our readers, advertisers and the community a very Merry Christmas, as well as take a look at what makes a good holiday gift.
In many ways, it comes down to how we view the season.
For some, it’s a stressful time, with plans and preparations for hosting family and friends fueling a feeling of “I’ll be glad when it’s over” — one of the choices in our “Question of the Week” measuring Christmas spirit. For others it’s a spiritual time of reflection, a time to be thankful for what we have, embrace those closest to us, and praise the source of the gifts bestowed upon us. And for the young, and the young at heart, the season still instills a magical feeling that truly makes it “the most wonderful time of the year.”
Many of us ask ourselves the same questions in the weeks approaching the “big day” as we search for the perfect gift… Will they like it? Did I spend enough? I wonder how much they spent on me?
The sharing and exchange of gifts should not feel like a competition, with scorecards and stats. It should not be done to simply receive something in return or satisfy a feeling of obligation or guilt. And we also offer, a gift doesn’t need to come with a price tag attached to it.
While we greatly support our local merchants and encourage shopping local, we also recommend that our greatest gifts that we give this holiday season and throughout the coming year offer what most of those around us are truly seeking — a moment of our time, a helping hand, a listening ear, an open heart, a kind word, a smile.
These are things we all seek in our day-to-day trials — a little encouragement, a little support, a little love. These things will go much further to appease our desire for happiness than a new outfit, a new TV or even the latest XBox.
So may your Christmas Day, and every day, be filled with the simple gifts of life that make it worth living.
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What a truly beautiful reminder!! Life has become so hectic for many that the little things in life seem to be forgotten! Always remember; material things are just that!!
Merry Christmas to you all and have a blessed holiday season!!