Christmas Countdown & Blessings
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Look out! Oh, no! Whoa!
The amount of holiday mail is unbelievable this year. I’m Kim Dunworthy and I work for the Shady Pines post office. No kidding. We have our hands full - literally! Getting everything delivered on time is a real challenge. But we're up to it.
Here's the best part. Everyone knows we're living in difficult times. But while I'm out making deliveries, I talk to our neighbors. This year, more than most, they're counting their blessings.
All The News 
Take Zulah Talmadge for example. Our hard working editor of The Shady Pines Gazette is out reporting everyday on how our town is coping during this pandemic. When I delivered the mail to her office yesterday she told me about all the prople who have thanked her for doing such a good job. It really made her feel good. Isn't that nice? She says she's so grateful.
Get The Scoop
The same thing could be said for Scoop the Cub Reporter. That red headed teenager goes above and beyond the call of duty. I see him out in all sorts 
of weather reporting on everything. After a big storm, there he is telling us about power outtages and clean up efforts. Or, he's down at Town Hall letting us know what the mayor has in mind for school closings and stuff like that. Why, I once saw him interviewing a group of folks who didn't want the big oak tree on Main Street to be torn down. He's says he's so lucky to be a reporter. He 
feels it's a privilege to make sure people feel their voices are being heard.
His Honor
Of course, the most influential voice in town is that of Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs. He's quite a character. I asked him the other day as I was dropping off a package what he likes about being mayor. He thought for a moment. Then he told me that serving others is a wonderful way to spend each day. He said it's not the big speeches or the parades that matter. He feels good when he can do something to improve the life of a person or a family in need. He showed me the stack of Thank You letters he's recieved. After reading some of them, I see what he means.
Centered Activities
Over at the Community Center I drop off a whole stack of mail for Rita Mallena. As the center's director, she's been switching up activities like crazy trying to make sure most of them can be done on line. Teachers at nearby Shady Pines Elementary School have been doing the same. Rita says she's had so much help from an army of volunteers. By coordinating with the school she's been able to keep kids entertained and engaged in ways she would never have thought up on her own. I think I saw tears in her eyes as she explained how grateful she is to everyone who has helped her this year.
What a Doggone Year
I know the Sanders family will have a thing or two to say. As I park in front of their home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane, I hear voices laughing out back. Harold and Edna are playing with their dog, Boomerang, while their cat, Halley's Comet, sits on the picnic table trying to ignore them. I hand them a fistful of envelopes and ask how they're doing. Harold says he's more grateful than ever for the things he used to taked for granted. Friends and family take on new meaning now. Edna says she's found new purpose volunteering with food drives and the 'Give A Kid A Coat' campaign. Mostly, they say, they have more tolerance and compassion knowing that everyone is hurting in some way. For more, check out Boomer and Halley Books
A Parting Thought
That's the thing. We all may feel isolated at times; even depressed. I know I've had days when I thought, "will I get through this?" 2020 has been a really tough year. And, we don't always know what other people are going through, do we? Here's a video about being grateful from the sensational Emmy Award-winning vocal group Pentatonix called, THANK YOU.
So as I finish up my rounds today, I want to deliver this message that my mom told to me. Take time to cherish the people in your life. Time is precious. Count your blessings and be thankful for the good things you do have. Be kind, even when it's hard. Give people the benefit of the doubt and hope they will do the same for you.
Oh, no, I running late. Merry Christmas! See you soon!
It's so cool that my editor, Zulah Talmadge, gave me this assignment. I get a kick outta seeing what the kids write.
Oh, this should be interesting. It's from Boomer. Just what does this Australian Shepherd want from Santa?
Here's another letter. This one is from Mark Cahill. He's only 5 years old. I can't wait to read this one.
Scoop puts Rita's letter back in the envelope. Geez. If all the letters that come into the Gazette office are as good as this batch, it's going to be hard to pick winners. Just wondering, what would your letter to Santa say this year? Please let us know and leave a comment below!
Oh, boy, the big day will be here soon. The countdown is on for Christmas and advent calendars are popping up everywhere. 
These are the calendars that kids love because they include a hidden treat or toy behind every day of the week from the first of December right up to Christmas Eve. Hi everyone, Zulah Talmadge with you for The Shady Pines Gazette News. Now that Thanksgiving is in our rear view mirror the holiday season is in full gear. 
It has been seen by Christians around the world as a way to get ready for the coming 
These days, most Advent Calendars have numbered paper doors or pockets that open to reveal an image, chocolate or other small object. Some of the folks here in Shady Pines Story Town will hide messages of kindness, caring and love behind those colorful doors.
For instance, a long time ago you might have seen a really old fashioned calendar that looks like your great, great, grandmother might have made it. 
These holiday calendars are fun. And just like the spiritual theme of the season, they offer anticipation, hope and joy of discovery.