The holidays are fast approaching, and, if you are in a panic because you have no time (or money), and you don’t know what to give Uncle Harry for Christmas or Hanukah and so on, read your December New Falcon Herald. We have a little something for everyone.We have articles on holiday stress. We know stress – just ask us about holiday deadlines.Some of you may want to ignore the holidays. We want you to know that it’s okay if you want to avoid it all and run off to Mazatlan or remain in the safety of your home rather than face grumpy service workers, crazy drivers, massive crowds, the annoying clanging of Christmas bells and the hordes of energy-draining bright lights. We don’t blame you.In honor of Ebenezer Scrooge, we think people need permission to “just say no” to the holidays if they desire. So for those of you who want to take a break from the season, you have our blessing. Come on, it’s silly to think that EVERYBODY embraces the “season.”For those Falconites who do embrace the season and can’t wait to participate in the holiday hoopla, there is an article encouraging you to shop local. Read more to find out how you can stay put and fulfill your holiday shopping needs.Finally, we have added two sports columns. Since we are monthly, the columns are wrap-ups of seasonal professional and high school sports happenings. We now have a student writer who is bringing us sports information from Falcon High School. As usual, we welcome your input and ideas.No matter the festivities akin to the season, there is still sadness and suffering in the world. An article on a family’s quest to help their daughter is included in this issue as well.In addition, there remains the neighbors at war – see Monkey Chronicles Part 2. So much for the block party.To those of you who read the Black Forest News and The New Falcon Herald, we sometimes present duplicate information, like Douglas Bruce’s letter to his constituents or a couple of editorials. Bear with us, as we try to get the news to everyone!It’s a time of year, like no other, when emotions run the gamut. To some, the spirit of the season is about family, friends, religious beliefs and celebrations. To others, the season is reminiscent of losses and, for some, wrought with loneliness. Still, others may not care one way or another.Well, to all of you – happy, sad or indifferent, believers and non-believers, we at the NFH hope you are safe and that you find comfort somewhere.We’ll see you next month – after Christmas. The January NFH will be coming to you mid week between Christmas and New Year’s Day because Dec. 25 falls on Saturday, and the post office is obviously closed. Look for us on probably the Tuesday right after Christmas. We’ll bring you some dynamite articles celebrating the New Year AND our first-year anniversary!Michelle & Marylou
