So here it is, the weekend before Christmas. The shopping is done; well, for gifts anyway. I wrapped the last presents on Sunday. It felt good to put all the paper and accessories away and free up that corner of the living room. Whew.

We had our gift exchange at work on Friday. Everyone seemed pleased with what they got. We may shake it up next year and play some games with the bounty.

I’m hoping we get to do a little light-gazing tonight. I want to show my hubby the house in Ottoville for sure. It’s pretty neat. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth the drive.

We love Christmas lights and enjoy seeing how creative people are and what’s new. In our estimation, the house on the corner of Franklin and Sixth streets is the best-decorated house. It’s a personal favorite. You don’t have to agree - just drive by and give it a chance.

A few years ago, we actually stopped and knocked on the door and asked if we could look at some of their lights so we could buy them the next year. As luck would have it, we still haven’t found them. I think they have a double-secret store they shop at and they’re not giving it up.

They’ve added a star this year - very cool. Yes, that’s us sitting at the stop sign watching it to see what all it does.

The Deitering home off 309 is amazing - again. I can’t even imagine the time it takes to do all that. He must start before Halloween.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their Top 10 Christmas Songs lists. I’ll have those put together and the results will be in Monday’s paper. We may have to make that a tradition or do something similar each year. You’ll also see the coloring contest winners. Cute, very cute.

As I looked through the lists, I had to rearrange my own a little. There are just so many you forget one or two you really like and have to move things around.

So here is a little something I want everyone to do on Tuesday. First, as your feet hit the floor say a little “thank you” that your feet hit the floor. As you spend time with your families, say another “thank you” for them and the fact you can be together. Many will spend Christmas alone because they have lost loved ones or they can’t be together.

It’s a joyous time of year full of wonder and delight and a time to gather with those we love and let them know how special we think they are.

Merry Christmas! May you all feel as blessed as I know I am.

Dear area residents,
We want to thank everyone who helped make the first annual “Betty Honigford” Christmas Decorating Contest a success. Thanks to all the enthusiastic and hard-working participants. We were so happy for your involvement and we admired your willingness to enter the contest in its first year. You’ve spread so much cheer in our community and we’ve heard so many positive comments about all the houses. The decorations were wonderful! Each decorated house had special elements and they were all so beautiful in their own way.
Thanks to all of our judges, for doing such a difficult job in such a thoughtful manner. We were grateful we did not have the unenviable task of selecting the winners. Thanks to Nancy Spencer for her help, encouragement and willingness to provide coverage of the event. Nancy, you went out of your way to generate interest in this event and support for us. Thanks for running all over town with us to take pictures and present prizes. Your pictures absolutely captured the artistry of the houses.
Thanks to Jennifer Moenter for inviting us to participate in the Hometown Christmas Celebration.
Thanks to Annette Brown for helping to design and make the People’s Choice banner.
Thanks to the employees of the banks and the city building for spreading the word about the contest, helping with the registration forms, and providing such a cute space for people to vote for their favorite.
Christmas isn’t always a happy time. We know we are not alone in missing someone at this time who was so central to every holiday and all the happiness associated with it. The life of one person does affect  the lives of so many others. Mom would have loved the lights! Thanks for your help in keeping her bountiful kindness and irrepressible spirit alive. We can all make a difference in the life of someone else.
Glad tidings and good cheer,
We hope to see you again next year!
Bev Jettinghoff and Meghan Ryba

DEAR EDITOR
Thanks for the colorful pictures of the winning Christmas houses’ decorating contest.  I am happy to have the addresses so my family may view these winners.
The grand prize winner, The Hamiltons, have lit up Landeck for several years. This house greets everyone with a sparkling Merry Christmas. No one knows that as I drive past decorated houses I often smile and joyfully say, “Merry Christmas to you also!”
Tim Hamilton not only decorates his own house but he made festive the Landeck signs with lights as well as the flag pole area by Landeck school. I would be remiss if I did not give credit to his wife, Jo, as well as his children, Jacob and Logan, without whose cooperation, this project could not be completed. Thanks to the Hamiltons.
Tim and his buddies, Kent Wrasman, and Gary Gerdeman also give of their time to hang the seasonal banners in Landeck. I really appreciate their helping this little village look good.
Merry Christmas
Catherine Heitz

After the ladders were put away, the last zip tie ripped and the last bulb tightened, we now know who the first-ever winners in the “Betty Honigford Spirit of Christmas” decorating contest are.
I had the pleasure of traveling with the award committee Thursday evening and it was a good time. The winners were so gracious and all had stories of how they managed to pull it off.
The Heiing home has left me speechless. Those three boys must have crawled all over that place like ants tucking lights here, attaching them there. Just in the short time I was there Thursday evening, several families stopped by and took a tour around the yard. The inside is looking pretty good, too. Winning two awards must have felt good. A little reward for the effort.
Bev, Meghan and Holly were great. There was so much excitement. They were excited — the winners were excited — I was excited.

I’m going to say something that may surprise a few of you and those who are close to me thought they’d probably never hear: I am trying to quit smoking.

I won’t go into how it came about but know this: my husband gave me the strength to say it was OK to quit. I don’t know how to explain it but those of you who have quit or attempted to quit know what I mean. When I would tell people I didn’t want to talk about quitting because it just made me want one, they would laugh. I was serious. I have smoked for longer than I have done just about anything except breath. Ironic, isn’t it?

I have a friend who is 90-some days clean and chewing the gum like a mad man. Now he’s addicted to “chewing the gum.” I’m serious. I talked to him Friday and he was at the point where just when you think it will be OK and you can do it, it’s like the first week all over again. His eyes had that gleam that told of a man on the edge. One false move and it was all over.