With exactly a month to go before Christmas, the holiday season is off to a rollicking start.
Malls, shopping centers and individual stores appear to be doing brisk business as Mauians rush out to scoop up Black Friday and early-season specials.
For a few days, we have shaken off the specter of "fiscal cliffs" and lives without Twinkies to go out and give some thought to our families' Christmas presents. Certainly after a grueling, negative election campaign, the holidays are a chance to reflect on what a wonderful island, state and country we live in. Somehow, those elements of our lives were forgotten during all the electoral attacks.
In short, the holidays are a time to feel good about ourselves again. Forget what the political spinsters told us for months on end - we are the most fortunate people on Earth.
During the next few weeks, an old favorite will remind us that "It's A Wonderful Life." We'll all watch the television as Angel Second Class Clarence earns his wings showing George Bailey that "no man is a failure who has friends."
Children's dreams about the miracle of Santa Claus and owning a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun will entertain a new audience and remind an old one of the joys of innocence.
And, of course, the religious nature of the season will teach all of us - again - that we should work year round for peace on Earth, good will toward men.
The holiday season is a psychological lifeline, a revitalizer of the spirit. As such, it truly is (as Andy Williams used to sing) the most wonderful time of the year.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
