As the final touches are put on this publication and it heads off to press, little men and women are itching to deliver papers on their route.
Our twins, now 10, keep us in the loop as far as how carriers think. They want their papers quickly so they can have Christmas Eve off. They want to put their feet up, and get cozy by the fire because Santa is coming.
A few short weeks ago we were blessed with the safe arrival of Chloe Victoria. This will be her first Christmas and today the girls are off to the mall to see Santa with their baby sister. There will be many exciting firsts again this year, from first Christmas ornaments to first Christmas bibs and so on. Chloe’s first Santa photo includes the famous kitty that Alexis and Brooke had in their photo ten years ago.
This will be the year we introduce the most often repeated editorial in the world, the age-old classic “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” to the twins. For those that missed it, the unsigned editorial was written by Francis Church in 1897 for The Sun in New York. It was a response to a query by a young girl if Santa was in fact real. Her friends questioned Santa so her dad told her she could believe anything in the Sun.
We can only imagine the herculean efforts taken to craft that message. We suspect that Santa will give the girls an illustrated copy this year since many of their friends have fallen into that age old trap of questioning the magic of Christmas.
For the rest of us, older and maybe wiser, this is a great time of year to reflect on the spirit of the season and the great fortune we have in family and friends. The Yuletide spirit usually allows for get-togethers where kids play and parents catch up on current events.
It will be a time of sharing between games and fun and the fleeting moments when adults might catch their spouse’s eye and wonder at how fortunate they are to be so blessed with little people to enjoy.
We note however, every home will not be so lucky and encourage readers to keep an eye on neighbours and friends.
Despite the generosity extended to those having a tough time, some homes will not ring with cheer. Instead of a mountain of presents, many which will see little use, some children will be happy with a gift or two, much the way Christmas used to be. For the holidays that gift will be the essence of the season.
Other homes will only be filled with memories of holidays long ago. Loved ones who have passed away, family that has moved away and yes, even family that stays away, will be remembered. At all times we should remember the good, but it can be hard, particularly for hearts that ache.
For other folks with concerns about their health, perhaps the greatest of all gifts, this will be a trying season as some convalesce and other brave souls embrace this Christmas as their last. We hope for comfort for these people and strength for their caregivers. If tears are shed we hope they reflect joy, peace and goodwill; let them not be tears of regret or anger.
As 2009 draws to a close and our staff prepares to spend time with their families over the holidays, we wish our readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas.
Please be safe and make the most of your time with your loved ones, making memories to be cherished in the years ahead.
