Christmas Editorial: Reasons to smile

In case you missed it, I've worn a silly red hat as a reminder that it's Christmas Eve, that deadline so many of us have had our eyes on in the past few frantic weeks.

Some will now be putting their feet up after a tough week's shopping, others will be coming down with the inevitable 'lurgy that strikes as soon as you go on holiday, while the rest won't be reading this because they're braving the crowds at the Warehouse in a last mad dash for presents.

This hectic time is reflected in some way in the news we've reported this week.

Tragedy and horror, whether in Rotorua, Turangi, Christchurch or anywhere else, aren't unique to the festive season but somehow their effects seem magnified when the rest of us are enjoying time of love, family, friends and celebration.

The nature of these stories, and the extreme interest in them, mean they can dominate the headlines - and quite rightly so.

But I wouldn't want you to miss stories from the other end of the spectrum, ones that remind you of the good, generous and wonderful spirit that exists in so many of our fellow locals. So here's a little reminder.

First, let's state the obvious - the response to The Daily Post's 2011 Christmas Appeal has been amazing.

While many are running around worried about buying, giving and receiving presents, there are others who are simply worried about feeding their children.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, the festive season is a lot more festive for those less fortunate.

Other headlines you may or may not have seen this week include 'Request for food', a brief news story which included the fact 30 volunteers had to be turned away for tomorrow's Rotorua Association of Christian Churches Christmas Day lunch. They already had enough people wanting to help. 'Former students give back' detailed a $20,000 university scholarship two former Western Heights High School students have bestowed on young Morgan Meertens. 'Tumble makes bride forget wedding' told how strangers helped a local woman who was hurt in a mystery cycle accident. 'Performing dogs bring joy to home' was about Chelsea Marriner and her dogs entertaining Rotorua's elderly.

And there were plenty more.

If you missed these stories or could just use a bit of a lift, check these stories out.

They're sure to put a smile on your dial this Christmas.