Merry Christmas from my family and all of us at Webb Weekly to you and yours. What an absolutely fantastic time of year. The way the calendar falls this year, our publication hopefully is in your mailbox about a week before Christmas. And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Sorry, just seemed to fit there. Actually, there is a lot of stirring going on!

As you’re reading this, I’m probably hustling and bustling just beginning my Christmas shopping. I know I always say I’m not going to procrastinate, but I always end up enjoying that Christmas shopping spirit. The good thing is that there are many great presents to be found at all our local merchants, no need or time to go online for that perfect gift.

You have to admit there’s something special about that Christmas Spirit when you’re out and about this time of year. It’s the way it used to be in holiday shopping seasons past when it was a social event to get out within your local community and see your friends and familiar faces. To me, that is still the best part of shopping.
Well, you’re also in luck because great gift ideas can be found within the pages of our Christmas edition of the Webb Weekly and you still have plenty of time to take advantage of them. While you’re out, it’s not too late to drop a few dimes or cash in the Salvation Army’s red kettle. There is also still plenty of time to help out our local charities that do such great work. What a great example of Christmas Spirit to show our young folks.
Thinking about all the little boys and girls, they are on high alert for the big guy’s midnight ride. So, good behavior should be a must. That’s always a great way to remind them they better watch out so to speak or there will be coal in that stocking. Isn’t it ironic when you get older everybody puts socks in your stockings? Just a yuletide thought.

Back to all those good little boys and girls…

I can’t believe how many coloring contest entrants we’ve had this year! What an unbelievable job done by so many children across our area. As I always say, they’re all winners in my book! My editor Steph does a great job, along with her team of elves, judging the contest. The name of everyone who has entered the contest appears within this week’s paper, as do the lucky winners, of course!
Thank you to the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships for sponsoring the contest and all the businesses for providing the great prizes guaranteed to make even the Grinch smile. I believe this is the 14th year our office has been decorated with the fine young artwork.

It was great to have some snow this past week to make it feel like Christmas time. I remember when I was young I just couldn’t wait to ride my sled down Kane Street after the first good snow. I would start at the top of Kane, which went all the way up to 8th Avenue at the time and ride down to Mountain Avenue where I would have to ditch the sled, so I did not ride across traffic if any was coming. There were several Christmases I got new sleds to replace the old one that might have gotten damaged in my downhill bobsled run as I viewed it. So, that leads me to the let’s be careful out there folks! School is out for Christmas break, and even if they’re not sled riding, the children are out and about. I’m sure you remember how distracted you were this time of year — heck I still am — I’m considering taking that sled down Kane Street again.
Back to those words — Christmas Spirit…

Please remember what this season is all about — celebrating the birth of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ. What a wonderful, absolutely joyful time of year. Through the birth of the Christ child, God gave us the greatest gift possible. Spread the word through your actions and spirit, especially to the young. Make sure they know it’s not about what’s under the tree but what’s in their heart.

Every family enjoys special Christmas traditions — make sure to pass those on, not just through doing, but also explaining to the next generation what they’re about. Those more senior members of your family that might not make it out, so visit and take that Christmas Spirit to them. That’s the best gift you can give them, especially when they get to see the children.

The holiday season can be a tough time of year for many. No matter if it’s family, a friend or neighbor make time to try to lift their Christmas Spirit. You know me; I always want to feed everybody. This is a great way to bring Christmas Spirit to someone you are visiting. Take them that plate of Christmas leftovers and traditional homemade dessert. I guarantee it’ll bring a smile to their face.

Make a difference this year with your Christmas Spirit and pass it on. Help to bring joy to the world. What a wonderful world it would be if we could all share this Christmas Spirit each and every day.
God Bless America.