Home stretch: Don't blink; Christmas is just right around the corner

If a light bulb went off today and you realized that you still have Christmas shopping to do and only a few more days left to do it, you are not alone.

Hundreds of Wayne County residents are getting ready to swarm the mall and local businesses to get their last-minute gifts.

And as bad as this week will be, don't even think about finding a place to park near a store next week.

As the holiday season begins to hit its fever pitch, there will be plenty of people scurrying to do the work of getting stuff under their Christmas trees.

And as you finish those last-minute errands, do not forget about local merchants when you are looking for just the right present for that person on your gift list. There are still plenty of bargains to be had in places right here in your hometown. And when you support local businesses, you support the future of your community.

But shopping, presents and Santa Claus are not all we should be thinking about this week.

There are still plenty of charities scrambling to help those in need this holiday season. Many are reporting higher than ever numbers of families and children who will not have the resources for Christmas this year.

Whether it is a small toy donated to Toys for Tots or a gift wrapped and ready for one of the names off the Salvation Army's angel trees, your generosity will help make Dec. 25 more than just another day for the county's needy families.

This time of year, when stress abounds, it is particularly important to remember what Christmas is all about -- giving.

Published in Editorials on December 15, 2010 11:00 AM