With all the national and international upheaval of the last few months, it was nice to just have the Christmas traffic to fight. As many of us try to walk off the holiday food while going to after-Christmas sales, take a moment to consider how fortunate we in Marengo County and the United States are.

The year end holidays allow us to catch up with family and friends and hopefully catch a breath from the constant stress of work. Christmas is always a chance to be a kid again with all the lights and holiday cheer, and even if you were searching for a present for someone else, you got to look over all kinds of kids and adult toys.

Just the simple joy of hearing a kid sing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" impromptu in the Food World parking lot was a special treat.

The New Year’s holiday is a chance each year to start over. So as you consider that last piece of pecan or sweet potato pie or how you are going to get that weight off in the coming months, take stock of what you have.

You live in a free country, with values that many people in the world admire. We have our problems here, but we are able to overcome the most tremendous obstacles. You and your neighbors have survived a massive jolt to the system on September 11 and after shocks ever since.

Consider the riches you have this holiday: your family and friends who stand behind you, the co-workers who might brighten your day with a joke.

Remember the military who are doing our dirty work in a foreign land. Consider that policeman or firefighter who stands ready to protect you. Think about all the great social organizations in this county who have given time and money to help the needy.

We are truly blessed with such a great support system in our county and America in the coming year.