Over the next few days, most of us will sit down and take stock of the many gifts we received Christmas morning. We'll smile over the handmade gifts from toddlers and elementary school-age children. We'll shudder at the thought of having to wear the tie sent by Aunt Matilda and we'll chuckle over the "Def Lepard" CD from a teen-age son with ulterior motives. But, most of all, we'll relive the feeling of joy and love that each and every gift symbolizes.
Let's also take time to appreciate the many unseen and uncounted gifts we enjoyed Christmas Day as we shared the excitement around the Christmas tree in the morning, motored off to relatives in the afternoon or ducked out to the local convenience store to pick up the batteries that "Santa" forgot.While most of us were gathered with our families enjoying the bounties of the day, a small army of fellow Utahns worked hard to make sure things went smoothly. Such gifts of service and sacrifice deserve recognition and thanks.
For example, doctors and nurses manned the hospitals, comforting those unable to be home with family, and prepared to offer emergency care to those who met with misfortune Christmas Day. Police officers patrolled the streets, firefighters manned the fire stations. Many of our co-workers took time out to produce and deliver newspapers. Other diligent Utahns made sure electricity and natural gas continued to flow, keeping our homes toasty and warm. The phones allowed us to share time with those far away and the television continued to bring us entertainment and news. And, there was comfort in knowing that gas, soda pop and other commodities were readily available if needed.
So while we are wishing merry Christmas to friends and relatives, let us all also take time to say thanks to those who sacrificed their time to serve us and make our holiday a little safe, a little brighter and a little merrier.