And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?  It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes or bags.  And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore.  Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.  What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.  What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. 

Most will recognize that quote is from Dr. Seuss… and we use it here to offer a wish that Christmas does mean “a little bit more”… or maybe even a lot more to all!

Christmas does not, of course, “come from a store.” But thanks to those who did go to the store and help with the Piscataquis Santa Project–or to put it more personally, helped make a kid’s Christmas warm, happy, and meaningful.  We as a community came together and did a very good thing. A special thanks to the organizers and the sponsors who worked so hard and cooperated so well!

Most of us still will do a lot of last minute shopping. But in our haste let’s remember what we are looking for–and remember what we are not looking for and won’t find in the stores. Don’t let these next few days go by without experiencing some of the true joys of Christmas… the joys of giving, the joys of sharing, and the joys of being. Find a child to read a Christmas story to… or let a child read a story to you. Give and get some hugs. Look for the smiles and hear the laughter going on around you. But don’t just sit on the sidelines. Join in!

All of us from Valley Grange wish our fellow Grangers, friends and neighbors the very best Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!