The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts and best wishes for the holidays.
In this special Saturday Soapbox, Daily Herald editors offer their best wishes for the holiday season .
As we gather around our tables this holiday season, we should reflect on how far we've come from holidays in the early days of the pandemic. Being apart gave me a greater appreciation for being together - something I will never take for granted again.
- Lisa Miner, Managing Editor
As you exchange presents today and tomorrow, take time to enjoy the giving more than the receiving. Watch people's faces light up with joy as they unwrap the thoughtful gifts you've chosen for them. Giving to others is what the holidays are all about!
- Kelly Vold, Senior Digital Editor for Engagement
Decades removed, I relish in detailed remembrances of my childhood Christmases - not the presents, but the family traditions. The memories you are creating this holiday season are the real gifts you give your children and grandchildren. Make them shine.
- John Lampinen, Retired Editor
As the song goes, there's no place like home for the holidays. I'm grateful I have the means and the time to travel 330 miles to spend Christmas with my parents.
- Michelle Holdway, News Editor
I finally got that mini bike I'd been so disappointed I didn't receive when I was 10, and I now have the scars to prove it was and will always be a bad idea. I no longer wear a watch, which is what I received when I was 10. So, I'm good, Santa. I'm going to focus on togetherness with the family this year.
- Jim Baumann, Executive Editor
Can we make the holiday gifts of kindness, peacefulness, togetherness and a little time to reflect last beyond the holidays? Maybe we don't have to be so quick to take down the pretty lights. And we certainly don't have to resort to close-mindedness. Let's be kind when January comes, too.
- Neil Holdway, Deputy Managing Editor/Late News
Some people want Christmas to last all year. Part of it does. The wrong part. The part that has post-Christmas sales, Christmas in July sales, Christmas after Halloween sales ... I want the other part. The tomorrow part. The love your neighbor part. The love your enemies part. The forgiveness. The understanding. The peace on earth, good will toward all. Maybe this year? It is a time to dream.
- Jim Slusher, Managing Editor for Administration and Opinion
One of the many joys of being a parent is the opportunity to experience the holidays with your children. As my kids were growing up, I always enjoyed seeing how happy they were around Christmas. Now my daughter is in college, and my boys are high schoolers. I still look forward to coming together on Christmas Day and spending quality time as a family.
- Robert Sanchez, City Editor
Having two young children in the house, I get to see Christmas through their eyes. Their laughter while watching movies that I grew up watching brings me back to my childhood. Their growing excitement as Christmas morning gets closer makes me think of the memorable Christmas mornings of my childhood. I hope their memories are as good as mine.
- Travis Siebrass, Deputy Managing Editor/Online
For me, the holidays are a time to acknowledge others by thanking family, friends and co-workers for their support, love and friendship throughout the year. Happy Holidays to all!
- Caroline Linden, Director of Community and Entertainment News
As a child, the highlight of my Christmas was whatever I'd find under the tree with my name on it. When my kids were young, the highlight became seeing their joy over whatever they found under the tree bearing their names. Now that the kids are older, as am I, the highlight isn't about what's under the tree, but what's around it: our family, together.
- Charles Keeshan, Assistant Managing Editor
A Muslim, a Christian and several Hindus walk into a room where a decked-out Christmas tree stands in a corner overflowing with presents at its base. That's not the beginning of a joke, but rather how my eclectic family observes the holidays. Each year, I count my blessings for having such a welcoming and understanding family. That's my wish and prayer for the world, where we all are part of one tribe - humanity. Let there be peace and unity on earth, God willing.
- Madhu Krishnamurthy, Assistant City Editor/Diversity Editor