The day after Christmas, with seasonal spirits still high, is no day for Jeers, so we offer a big list of holiday-related kudos.
CHEERS to:
▶ The priests, choirs and the lay men and women from local churches who planned beautiful services for Christmas, working to help people remember the original reason for the holiday.
▶ All the people who worked on the holiday while others relaxed, so that life could go on for others — the police and correction officers; the staff at hospitals, nursing homes and prisons; the employees of the few gas stations and restaurants that were open; the journalists who kept you informed about what was going on.
▶ People who put in all the effort it takes to put up holiday lights that brighten the lives of those who view them and give children and adults one more reason to be excited about Christmas.
▶ The many businesses around the North Country who donated prizes to local decorating contests. The communities who hold these events spend time and effort to make them happen (and sometimes put up with a bit of harassment from non-winners). The contests add to the holiday ambiance.
▶ All the people who did acts of community service — the kids who sang at nursing homes, the people who rang bells for the Salvation Army, the service groups that prepared food baskets for needy families, the organizations that hosted Christmas parties. All of those kind acts brought a touch of happiness to lives filled with challenges.
▶ The Santas who suited up to sit for hours at malls and parties, hearing wishes and spreading Christmas magic.
▶ The store clerks and customers who will show patience, understanding and courtesy today and in the coming days as presents that didn't work out are returned to stores.
▶ Everyone who donated money to charities even though almost all families face their own financial pressures in this struggling economy.
▶ People who sought out a neighbor or someone who is lonely and baked them cookies, invited an extra person to dinner or sent a gift or card.
Whether you are Christian or not, there is no denying the steamroll of good will and kindness that Christmas inspires. It seems that smiles come more easily, people give from their hearts, and the needs of those who are suffering in some way are addressed.
May the kindness and caring continue through 2012.
— If you have a Cheers and Jeers suggestion that you want the Editorial Board to consider, email it to Editor Lois Clermont at letters@pressrepublican.com.
