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Keep Christmas Spirit Alive Well Beyond The Holidays

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 26, 2008

So it's the day after Christmas and plenty is stirring. There's much to do, places to go, stores to visit and family and friends to spend time with. For many of us, it's back to the reality that times are tough. For the many charities that did so much good this holiday season, it's back to challenging times.

We can easily immerse ourselves into negativity, considering our nation's and region's financial situation. That would be the easy thing to do. But most people understand that's the worst way to turn this around. They know that the only way to dig out is to get moving.

In the coming months and possibly years, good news will start to push aside the bad. Our country and our economy will turn around and better times are ahead. It's getting through these difficult times that will try all of us and cause a lot of pain for some folks.

Our local charities, that are doing their best work right, now need us now more than ever. Perhaps dollars are not as readily available, but other services can be rendered that help the most unfortunate people in our community who are struggling.

The incredible work done by local food banks, the Salvation Army, the Florida Sportsmen's Association and dozens of other organizations, are making life better for a lot of people. They couldn't do it, though, if thousands of residents didn't support their missions. What's been done this year, even with hard times, is heart warming.

After Christmas, we can choose to slide back into depression or we can choose not to, even if times are difficult. That will mean for some of us that we finally put in perspective that material items actually mean little at the end of the day. It's friends, family and the ability to feel optimistic that keeps most of us happy. Let's hope those sentiments are shared by many as we head into 2009.

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