The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors share holiday wishes for the community
See your family, not your phones
As you spend time with your loved ones, really spend time with your loved ones. Put down your phone. Close your laptop. Look at the faces of your family members and friends instead of a screen. Play a board game, laugh together and share in the fun. Count your blessings this holiday season, not your Facebook likes. - Kelly Vold, Digital Engagement Editor
Giving for the future
In this season of giving, let's commit to giving a better world to our children, not one filled with bankrupt retirement funds and dysfunctional government. We need to be willing to sacrifice and work together to build the future, not use our gifts to tear each other down. - James Kane, Deputy City Editor
We want the world to get along
Here's wishing a holiday season and new year with news of people around the country and the world getting along, with less polarization. We believe the good in people can outweigh the bad and we can have more good news to share. - Neil Holdway, Assistant Managing Editor/Copy Desk
We want our families to get along
Here is wishing that you and the family member who has different thoughts on politics, foreign policy and religion can coexist for your holiday gathering and find the common ground you once had - and that you carry that common ground into 2019. Not everything has to be about politics, does it? - Jim Baumann, Managing Editor
Savor the season
Many of us take time off at the end of the year - some businesses slow, kids are out of school and so on. So while you are off, take time to enjoy the bounty of arts and entertainment options in the suburbs, from family-friendly theater productions to outdoor light shows. Our area has much to offer. - Lisa Friedman Miner, Metro Editor
Tip your servers
Like journalists, those in the hospitality and travel industries often have to work over the holidays, enduring hectic, exhausting shifts when they'd rather be with their families. Give them an extra smile - and a nice tip, when appropriate - to lessen their stress. - Michelle Holdway, News Editor
Try a little kindness:
In this season of light and joy, let's all try to be a little more kind. And then let's try to carry that kindness into the new year. - Bob Smith, DuPage Editor
Go out and enjoy high school sports
There will be plenty of high school holiday basketball tournaments to watch in the next seven days, and attending is a good way to support girls and boys athletics in the suburbs. And make sure to wish good tidings to the referees, too. - Mike Smith, Sports Editor
Shine your light
My holiday wish is a thank you. Every day in my Neighbor section I read about people who step out of their comfort zones to help someone in need, whether it is with time, talent or treasure. They always say they aren't a hero or don't need recognition. But they are and they do. They shine a light for everyone to see, and make our lives brighter - Pam Baert, News editor/Neighbor
Expand your circle
Let's pause during the hubbub to extend invitations to others whose loneliness might grow deeper during the holiday season. More people around the table adds to the merriment and joy. - Diane Dungey, Senior Deputy Managing Editor
Best gift ever
Sure, a new car with a red bow on the hood is cool. But that just takes money. Here's wishing that you give the best gift: yourself. Make that drive (in your old car) to the home of someone who wants only your company. Engage them in conversation or just listen to them talk. And bring a beverage. Cheers. - Joe Aguilar, Lake County Sports Editor
Peace. Joy. Love.
They're the bywords for the season. May they be the bywords for your life throughout the year, whatever your faith, your station, your politics or your interests. - Jim Slusher, Deputy Managing Editor for Opinion
God bless us, every one
As the unfortunate bearers too often of bad news, we wish you glad tidings of great joy today and every day. And as Charles Dickens' character Ebenezer vowed, may you strive to honor that joy all the year. - John Lampinen, Editor