Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

Well, Christmas is nearly upon us. A few more hours of work, a couple of more work assignments, some last minute shopping, and a month’s worth of stress have all come to fruition for residents of the Smoky River region as we begin to wind down in preparation for the arrival of the holiday season – a much deserved break for all to enjoy with family and friends. Christmas is celebrated by Christians the world over each year. Why Christmas is special to you depends on the customs and traditions that were handed down in your family from generation to generation. For many of us Christmas is about keeping their traditions alive while renewing the joy associated with the birth of Christ each year. Sadly for others, the true meaning of Christmas – especially in the popular cultures of Canada and the United States – has long ago stopped being about the birth of Christ and more about believing in the healing power of consumerism. Ah, but even with the endless advertising, the increased spending pressure and finding the “perfect” gift, Christmas, in it’s truest sense, is still the most magical time of the year. For some people, however, it’s anything but magical. I say this recognizing that while I may have my fair share of ‘bad days,’ there are thousands of other less fortunate individuals out there who would gladly accept the opportunity to walk in my shoes, or yours, for a day if it meant escaping a life of poverty and personal hardship. These same people and are all around us regardless of what community we live in. Some have no family and no employment due to health ailments. Others who are fortunate enough to hold down a minimum wage job are constantly scratching and clawing each month just to keep the heads of their family’s head above the water, let alone worry about how they’re going to subsidize Christmas. To these individuals, Christmas is just another painful day of the year, bringing with it the same harsh reality of having to worry about what they will need to do just to make it to tomorrow. They’re real people with real feelings and genuine needs; people who have fallen upon difficult times and require a helping hand from society to get back on their feet. Whether it’s food, money, clothing, or a gift what’s really important is that even a little bit succeeds in going a long way to lift the spirits of those less fortunate over the holidays. Ah, the spirit of giving and good will towards one another. They’re personal qualities which are inside all of us to offer, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. Remember, it’s not about what’s under the tree. It’s what’s inside of you that matters the most! Well, staff here at the Express have indeed been busy as little elves over the past week assembling our special Dec. 24th holiday edition for valued readers. Inside this edition you’ll find what we hope is an enjoyable viewing and reading experience highlighting all the sights and sounds of the season. To all of our readers and advertising clients we thank you for your continued support in 2008 and look forward to serving you again in the New Year. I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of staff and management to extend best wishes to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our next edition of the newspaper – 2008, The Year In Review – comes out Jan. 7 and will include various highlights of the news events which shaped our lives this year. Our Falher office will be closed Dec. 24 to 28 in addition to Jan. 1, 2009. Advertising and editorial submission deadlines for the Jan. 4th edition of the Express are Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. In closing, I would like to personally thank our readers, regular editorial contributors and businesses in the region and outlying areas for their patronage and support over the past year.

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