As we enter this new year, let’s take a moment to put aside the secular celebrations and notions of the new year and reflect on the Christian year and what it means to us as Christ followers. Maybe we could gain another perspective of the true meaning. Perhaps we could adopt the perspective of the people who lived in biblical times as they organized their lives around sacred festivals and holy days.

Mexico needs to celebrate its participation in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and needs to hurry as it is likely coming to an end soon. Donald Trump has had it in for Mexico having expressed no interest in building a resort and golf course there. He has effectively used Mexico as the fall-guy to advance his political agenda. In most ways Mexico is guilty as charged.

Dear Readers: The following is column written by a fellow named Bob Thompson, who was a teacher and coach in my hometown. It is reprinted with permission.

Here's the story about a young man who was engaged to be married. He was in love and his life was infected with that special pride and that vibrant joy that is peculiar to lovers.

I will keep this short and sweet this week. I was trying the right way to put into words my feelings regarding what this season means to me. And longer I looked for the write words on special message, my heads raced thru so many things. But it all comes back to one thing.

Remember the reason for season. I mean, really, really, remember the reason for the season.

If you want to give yourself and/or your family one of the nicest gifts possible this Christmas, check out “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” movie at the Southpark Mall. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, I dare say it is one of the top movies ever made dealing with the true meaning of Christmas.

There once was a toymaker.

But he was more than a toymaker. Call him an engineer, an architect, a designer, if you will. He created many fantastic things. He settled down to making toys, not because he couldn’t make other things, but because toys delighted him so. There were two special toys, fashioned like a boy and a girl that he designed with extra special care.

The winter solstice marks the Northern Hemisphere’s first day of winter and the day with the fewest hours of sunlight. It usually occurs around Dec. 21, like this year, and has been celebrated worldwide since ancient times. A variety of plants have been used to celebrate this change of seasons.

It’s natural to mumble nasty things about the cold weather. We all do it from time to time. But even the cold has its merits.

Struggling to think of gifts for everyone on your “Nice” list? Healthy, homemade food gifts might be the perfect solution. Inspired by an article from Amy Jones, Iowa State University human sciences specialist, here are some simple and thoughtful ideas to make your holidays a little brighter.

Friday marks the last day of Spencer School’s instruction for the year, and I could not be more thrilled. The past week has been confusing, tiring and generally boring as we get into winter break.

Between wrapping up instruction, taking finals, and our band and choir concert, I can safely say that everyone is ready for a break. I was even supposed to take the ACT last Saturday, but that got canceled because of the weather.

Christmas is recognized around the world as a time of giving and receiving gifts. Imagine if you got everything you wanted for Christmas. What would be the cost of having that come true? Sure, there would be a monetary expense — unless you have a genie in a bottle who can grant your wishes (though even those are limited to three). But what would be the cost to others for you to get everything you wanted?

You got your load of holiday joy with pageant, Santa abduction and live concert films. This week is something different.

“Kraven the Hunter” is the newest Spider-verse collaboration between Sony-Marvel — and perhaps the last — focusing on the origin story of one of Spider-Man’s most popular and deadly foes.

President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat is just another brick laid on Canadians who are already struggling under the weight of 907.185 kilos (tons) of them. U.S. consumers responded to inflation as the top concern in our election and Canadians have responded similarly. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has just a 33% approval rating which is worse than Bidens at 36%. We frequently talk to Canadians and their ire toward Trudeau is something that they all agree on.

Add colorful flair to your holiday decor and gift-giving by including a few unique holiday plants. You and your gift recipients will appreciate their uniqueness and beauty throughout the holidays and beyond.

Poinsettias are a favorite and now you can find unique colors from pure white to hot pink, and others with variegated leaves or flowers, which are actually modified leaves called bracts, like Sparkling Rouge.

Is anyone else struggling to get in the Christmas spirit?

I am.

Despite my best intentions, I have allowed myself to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the time of year, and am missing the real reason for the season. As you read this, we are eight days and counting to the big day. And by that I don’t mean the day Santa brings presents.