Friday is Christmas, the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

We hope that all of our readers will be able to celebrate the holiday this year in comfort with loved ones and friends.

Christmas is a time to celebrate and to exchange gifts, but it is a also a time for us to reflect on our own lives, the lives of loved ones and also to look back at the past year.

There were some shocking headlines in 2009, the most shocking being the announcement that the paper mill will close. But in the weeks that have elapsed since, the community has come together and started the difficult process of moving on. It is fitting that on Christmas, the day of Jesus’ birth, that we also celebrate our own region’s rebirth.

We hope our readers take this week and next to remember all of the good things that are happening all around us, and to look forward to a happy and prosperous 2010.

Merry Christmas.