It’s been difficult getting in the holiday spirit this year. With no snow, it feels more like a cold fall than winter. But as we were putting together the Holiday Pictorial, the holiday spirit hit me. I was going through photos from the past year, visiting with advertisers and spending some time reminiscing about all that we’ve accomplished this year.

Christmas is different when you don’t have small children around. The excitement shifts from Santa and presents to traditions and gatherings. I’ve been trying to shift my holiday focus to the traditions. This Wednesday, I went to Thompson Falls Elementary to read the book “5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas” by Jimmy Fallon to the kindergarten classes. This was the third year for that tradition I started and it’s one of the highlights of the holidays for me. Last weekend, a friend and I made Danish Puff Pastry just as her late mother would every holiday season. It’s a family Christmas tradition that I now get to be a part of.

Over the weekend I visited a friend who recently had a baby. It was about bedtime, and her 2-year-old was getting tired. She started acting out and her mom said “stop, take one deep breath.” She did, and then took one more. Her attitude immediately shifted and we were able to keep playing for a bit.

As you enjoy Christmas with your families, there may be some stress. Remember to stop and take a deep breath, or two. Enjoy the traditions. Enjoy the wonder

Merry Christmas.

— Annie Wooden