Around the community we are seeing beautiful Christmas decorations lighted up, traditionally a process that begins around Thanksgiving.

Some residents have really put a lot of time and money into these displays that depict both the religious and secular aspects of the holiday.

Despite the fact that our economy is in the doldrums and we are fighting two wars in foreign countries, the Christmas spirit is alive and well amongst us.

Many thousands of lights around our community declare in unison, “peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”

Viewing these decorations at night is a treat for young and old, especially the young. To see the joy and wonderment in their eyes is in itself a gift to mankind. At this point, they don’t know that there is an economic crisis. They don’t know about war yet. There will be plenty of time for that as they grow older.

And so we applaud those who have taken the time and displayed their Christmas spirit in such grand fashion. Thank you for sharing that spirit will all of us. We realize that in some of these displays, there are great costs. Be assured your gift to the community is appreciated. It helps keep us focused on what is important and it will inspire our resolve to prevail.