Merry Christmas & Happy New Year's!

To all our Readers and Advertisers,

Our Christmas Issue will be a double issue covering the next two weeks.    The staff at the What’s Up Shopper will be taking December 24th thru January 1st off in order to spend time with our families.  We will not be publishing a January 1st issue, but will be back on the stands January 8th to start a brand new year. You have TWO WEEKS to enter our contests.  T  In the meantime please pick up a What’s Up Shopper at one of our dozens of locations.

We want to take this time to thank all of our advertisers this past year for their patronage.  Without their advertising it would not be possible to bring all of our cherished readers this free publication or offer them free classifieds.  We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Terresa M Hastings - Executive Editor

Derrick Sherer of Gastonia won the What’s Up Shopper $1,000 Cash Giveaway by registering at Duren’s Jewel Shop.  Thanks for all our winners and entrants.

Contact the store you registered at to see if you won a second place prize!

What’s Up in Local Sports

By Calvin Hastings

You can tell Christmas is here by the many holiday basketball tournaments in the area.  If you love high school basketball then you’ve got to love the holiday tournaments.   In Cherryville, the David Wright Holiday Classic will be held December 28th-30th at Cherryville’s Nixon Gym.   The tournament will feature a team from Australia called the Bandicoots.   The team consists of two 17 year old players and the rest are 15 and 16 year old boys.   Boys teams in the tournament will include the Australia team along with host Cherryville and Hickory Ridge of Harrisburg, South Point, Concord First Assembly, Bessemer City, Highland Tech and Woodson of Winston-Salem.  Girls teams include Hampton, Tennessee, Castlewood, Virginia, Highland Tech, Concord First Assembly, Bessemer City, South Point, West Stokes and Cherryville.

The Fifth Third Bank Holiday Classic is set for East Lincoln  December 28th-30th.   Games will be played at both gyms at East Lincoln High School.   The boys teams include East Lincoln, Forestview, East Gaston, Northwest Cabarrus, Oxford Webb, Mooresville, Myers Park and Mallard Creek.   Girls teams include East Lincoln, South Meck, East Gaston, Myers Park, Mooresville, Hickory Ridge, Northwest Cabarrus and North Meck.

Gaston Christian will be hosting the  inaugural basketball invitational on December 28th and 29th.  Teams competing will include  boys and girls teams from Gaston Christian, Carolina Day and  Countryside Montessori.

Hats off to the Kings Mountain Middle School wrestling team.   The grapplers downed East Rutherford last week to win the Tri-County Conference Middle School Wrestling Title and go undefeated with a perfect 13-0 mark.   Kings Mountain downed the Cavaliers 45-36 to win the championship.

Make it five in a row for Grier Middle School.   Grier downed Cramerton 1-0 to win their 5th straight Gaston County Middle School  boys soccer championship.   The team finished 11-1 on the season.

Meanwhile, the Gaston County Middle School wrestling championship has been re-scheduled to January 9th at North Gaston due to the inclement weather last week.   W.C. Friday enters the tournament undefeated with Cramerton 6-1 and Grier 5-2.

The Wachovia Cup Standings are out.   In the Big South 3A Conference Forestview is first followed by South Point, Ashbrook, North Gaston, Crest, Kings Mountain and Hunter Huss.   In the Southern Piedmont  1A/2A Conference East Lincoln is first followed by North Lincoln, Lincolnton, West Lincoln, Highland Tech, Cherryville, Bessemer City and Challenger.   In the Mega 7 3A/4A Conference Charlotte Catholic is first followed by Olympic, East Gaston, West Meck, Harding, Garinger and E.E. Waddell.

Hats off to the Stanley Blue Devis Junior Pee Wee team.   The Blue Devils downed Coconut Grove, Florida and Michigan City, Indiana and then Wall, New Jersey to win the National Junior Pee Wee Football Championship.   The games were held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex at Lake Buena Vista, Florida.   The team was coached by John Rudisill.

North Carolina won the annual Shrine Bowl last weekend by a 24-14 win over South Carolina.   Crest star, Reggie Wilkins, contributed with two catches for 19 yards and two punt returns for seven yards.   South Point running back Aaron Crumbley had one carry for four yards.

East Lincoln boys head junior varsity and varsity assistant head soccer coach, Daryl White, has been named the 2009 Assistant Coach of the Year for the State of North Carolina.   White was selected by the North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association.   White has served at East Lincoln for fifteen years.   White will receive his award at a sports banquet in January.

What’s Up with Hollywood Sports

By Kevin “Hollywood” Hastings

If you’re new to the poll, each week we eliminate one team from what we think is a chance to win the Super Bowl.  I do reserve the right to remove a team from the eliminated list if they somehow make the playoffs. Saying goodbye to the Atlanta Falcons who were officially eliminated on Monday Night when the Giants destroyed the Redskins in Washington.  Atlanta had high expectations coming into the season but injuries and a few bad breaks here and there and you’re looking at a team who thinks they’re playoff caliber, yet eliminated with two weeks to go.  Atlanta has a huge upside with youth and talent all over the team.  QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner will lead this team to playoff fortunes in the next few years.  This year though we say goodbye to the Dirty Bird.  Stay hot Atlanta.

Eliminated: Falcons, 49ers, Bears, Seahawks, Bills, Panthers, Redskins, Chiefs, Bucs, Rams, Lions, Titans, Raiders, Browns, Jets, Dolphins, Texans

THE FAT LADY’S WARMING UP GROUP

15.  Jaguars (7-7) - When I originally wrote the draft for this article on Sunday night I had the Jaguars elminated but the Giants win on Monday over the Redskins eliminated the Falcons from the playoffs.  Jacksonville is on thin ice right now.  Last week they were qualified for the playoffs and now they have to jump a few teams to get there.  A tough remaining schedule doesn’t bode well for the Jags.

14.  Steelers  (7-7) - The Steel City got back into playoff contention with a big win on Sunday.  They still have to win out to get in but they can do it.  How amazing is Ben Roethlisberger in the 2-minute offense?  There’s a reason this guy has two Super Bowl rings already.

13. New York Giants  (8-6) - I just don’t know what to make of the Giants and their inconsistency throughout the year.  They’ll beat a good team one week and get beat by a sorry one the next.  They’re good enough to make a run at the playoffs but this team won’t be in Miami for the Super Bowl unless they buy their own tickets.

IN THE PLAYOFFS, FOR NOW

12.  New England Patriots (9-5, #4) - New England looks very vulnerable especially on defense.  This looks like a first round loss while New England is in a small rebuilding period.

11.  Baltimore Ravens (8-6, #5) - How big is this week’s matchup against the Steelers?  Both teams are 7-7 and the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.  The last game these two played was a Ravens win in overtime.  You’re going to want to watch this game Sunday.

10.  Denver Broncos (8-6, #6) After a 6-0 start Denver’s hanging on to a spot in the playoffs.  They may have to win the next two to qualify but it helps to have an unguardable WR in Brandon Marshall.

9.  Arizona Cardinals (9-5, #4) - This team barely beat the Lions after getting drilled the week before.  This team is the most unreliable in the league.  They win the big games and lose the little ones.  I would hold my bets when it comes to Arizona.  They could win the Super Bowl or get trounced in the first round.

8.  Cincinnatti Bengals (9-5, #5) - It had to be really tough to take the field a few days after one of their teammates (Chris Henry) died in Charlotte falling off the back of a pickup truck.  The Bengals gave all they had but ran into the lighting bolts and got electrocuted.

7.  Green Bay Packers (9-5, #5) - The Pack lost to a Steelers team fighting for their playoff lives.  The Pack are settled in a playoff perth more than likely and almost have nothing else to play for except to clinch.  They should finish 10-6.

5.  Philadelphia Eagles (10-4, #3) - Philly’s in first place right now but Dallas owns the tiebreaker and get to play each other in the last game of the season, in Dallas, most likely for home field advantage in a rematch the next week.  Philly’s really inconsistent right now and their defense has struggled.

6.  Dallas Cowboys (9-5, #6) - Who Dat?  Dem Cowoys dats who!  Dallas took down the undefeated Saints last Saturday and made a statement to the rest of the NFC that they are ready to rumble in the playoffs.  Big D is still fighting with Philly for 1st place and a home game in the first round.  Dallas finishes at Washington and home to Philly.  Let Romo be Romo and all will be fine and dandy in Big D.

4.  San Diego Chargers  (11-3, #2) - The Bolts have won 9 straight and 17 straight in December.  The hottest team in football has now but clinched the #2 seed in the AFC.  The Chargers lost to the Super Bowl Champ Steelers in the playoffs last season and to the undefeated Patriots the year before that.  The real question is who did they beat before those games to get there?  The Indianapolis Colts!  Oooh I can’t wait til playoff time!

3.  Minnesota Vikings (11-3, #2) - How can you lose to the Carolina Panthers after seeing the Saints lose on Saturday and home field advantage is at stake?  Minnesota’s struggling right now and they look out of ryth

m.  I missed it somehow but Farvre was briefly benched early in the game by Brad Childress and they got into a heated discusssion.  Brad, you can’t fly to Mississippi a half dozen times, beg, plead, and bride, name Brett Favre the Savior of the team after training camp and before he’s taken a snap in practice, and then bench the future Hall of Famer!  It’s Brett Favre!  This team is on skates.

2.  New Orleans Saints (13-1, #1)  -  The Saints ran into a Cowboys buzzsaw in need of a win and a little December redemption.  The Saints have been close to losing for weeks now and they finally did.  Dallas showed the blueprint on how to beat them but the bad news is that you have to almost play a perfect game to do so.

1.  Indianapolis Colts (14-0, #1) - The Colts are now 2 wins away from an undefeated regular season.  Don’t you know Peyton Manning and the bunch would love to rub an undefeated Super Bowl run in the Patriots faces.  If you were playing Texas Hold’em and these are the cards you got after the river you’d go all in with your pocket Colts.

THIS WEEK’S WINNERS IN ALL CAPS

Last Week 8-8  /  Overall 147-76 (.659)

Chargers @ TITANS / Bills @ FALCONS

Chiefs @ BENGALS / Raiders @ BROWNS

Seahawks @ PACKERS / Ravens @ STEELERS

Texans @ DOLPHINS / Jaguars @ PATRIOTS

Bucs @ SAINTS  /  Panthers @ GIANTS

Lions @ 49ERS  /  Rams @ CARDINALS

Jests @ COLTS  /  Broncos @ EAGLES

COWBOYS @ Redskins  /  VIKINGS @ Bears

Let’s Talk Bible - Since 1975

By Evangelist  W.C. “Dub” Dellinger

We must submit ourselves to Christ, our redeemer, if we want to go to heaven.  No fancy tricks will get you in.  No certain denomination will get you in.  It is between you and your maker.  Jesus Christ is your redeemer.  This will happen only when you are willing to give up the world, with head bowed, and your eyes on Jesus, as your Lord.  Then, if you are fully surrendered, you can feel Him move in, and the world must go.  This is known as being reborn.  As you take on another spiritual Father, old things are passed away, and you are now a servant and worshiper of Jesus Christ as your Lord.  Now start working for Him, and He will bless you.  You will immediately feel the difference in whatever you do because you now belong to a true and loving God.  This came about one day when Jesus paid the price there on Golgotha Hill.  He suffered not only for His sins, but for yours and mine.  Now that you have good things in you,  you should be wanting to tell others what happened, and your Savior will award you salvation.  Some time down the road of life you will hear the words “Holy Ghost” spoken.  Your Savior may see you worthy of this deep experience some day.  It is taught wrong when they say we get it all at the same time.  You go on living for the Lord and get yourself a good size King James Red Letter Bible.  Turn to the second chapter in the book of Acts.  All these were what is always spoken of as Christians, and don’t find faults as some try to do.  Tongues is spoken as different languages.  Just leave that up to the Lord if He should ever see fit to have you do that.  Any time you can help a person in need, do it!  My friend, a preacher, one day saw who needed help bad.  He broke, he went and begged and gave to the needy.  Yes, sinners criticized him for doing that.

What’s Up with The NC Cooperative Extension

By Melinda M. Houser - Extension Agent

Family and Consumer Sciences

It’s not too late to rush out and buy festive but traditional foods to mark the new year.  All over the world, eating certain foods ensures good luck and an opportunity to prepare and consume some unusual dishes.

It’s time for Hoppin’ John!  Hoppin’ John is found in most states of the South, but it is mainly associated with the Carolinas.  Most food historians generally agree that “Hopping John” is an American dish with African/French/Caribbean roots. The dish goes back at least as far as 1841, when, according to tradition, it was hawked in the streets of Charleston, South Carolina.

Many southerners begin the New Year with this pot full of black-eyed peas cooked with lean bits of ham, or if you’re not concerned about your cholesterol or blood pressure – ham hocks, greens – cabbage, mustard, kale, spinach or collard greens and corn bread.  The black-eyed peas represent a wealth of coins, the collard greens – money, and the pork is for luck.

Try this tasty, healthy black-eyed pea recipe for your New Year’s meal.

Spicy Black-eyed Peas

2 Tbls. oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green pepper

1 cup chopped celery

3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped or 1 can of chopped tomatoes

3 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas or use 5 cups cooked dry peas

1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes

Pepper to taste

White vinegar to taste (optional)

Saute onion, green pepper and celery in oil in soup pot. Pour peas into the soup pot. Add the sauteed vegetables, chopped tomatoes, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and pepper. Cook over medium to medium low heat for 30 minutes. Correct the seasonings. Serve hot.

This is perfect with corn bread and one of your favorite greens.

For more information, contact Melinda Houser, FCS agent, at the Lincoln County Cooperative Extension office, 704-736-8461.

What’s Up with Being A ‘Lil Rusty

By Rusty Stroupe - rustystroupe.blogspot.com

Each Christmas season seems to have a unique theme of some sort.  Some years it’s a blockbuster Christmas movie in the theatres.  Other years it’s a hot gift item like Playstation 3, Tickle Me Elmo, or a Cabbage Patch Doll.  This year’s Christmas theme, in my opinion, is a question mark- representative of the trend toward numerous unanswered questions as we approach December 25.

For example, the question wafting through the Stroupe household this season is whether or not our Christmas tree will fall over yet again this year?  A legitimate concern, despite the fact we became so frustrated trying to get it to stand upright that we poured grout in the bottom of the tree stand and let it harden. No guarantees but if it tips over this year, it will be because some elf knocked it over on purpose.  The tree stand is ruined but it’s worth it if the star on top stays off the floor.

Another question, this one floating around on the internet:  Are Chia Pets edible?  I saw a commercial the other day advertising a Chia Pet a cat can eat.  Just what I always wanted.  The debate on the internet concerns whether or not humans could benefit from Chia Pet consumption.  There are mixed reviews but I’m playing it safe and abstaining.

Will Tiger have enough money left to buys presents for all the “friends” (at least 12) in his life after his sponsors drop him?  Okay, that was a cheap shot but the greater question is whether he will ever recover and make a triumphant return to golf?

Was the image of Jesus on the bottom of a Massachusetts woman’s iron a legitimate miracle?  I’ve seen the picture and it looks like a man with long hair and a beard but I have no idea if it’s Jesus.  It’s kinda like the Shroud of Turin to me. If it’s real, great.  If not, that’s fine, too. Why? (Another question)- Because faith doesn’t require proof.  The issues of miracle authenticity may be scientifically relevant but they are spiritually unimportant.  Jesus himself once said that those who believe without seeing are blessed.  It’s nice when we are privileged to experience tangible revelations, but they are not necessary to sustain a faith that is based on the rock solid belief that God sent His one and only Son to save us.

And to me, that is the ultimate question of this and every Christmas season: whether or not we allow the Child to leave the manger and live in our hearts.

For the Stroupes this year, there is another question.  Will our friends and family still love us when they don’t get a Christmas card from us this year?  Humbuggishly, we didn’t send them out this season. Blame it on extreme busy-ness, lack of cooperation from our boys for the family picture, or whatever else you wish.

So by the authority rendered unto me by the rest of my family, in place of a Christmas card, I am offering this simple phrase- to kids from 1 to 96. (I want to include my grandmother). It’s been said many times, many ways but from the heart I say, “Merry Christmas” to all of you. No question about it.

What’s Up with The Right Slant

By Anthony W. Hager

Email: tony_hager@therightslant.com

Web: www.therightslant.com

Modern living has provided us with so many conveniences. Before us is an endless buffet of entertainment, distraction and diversion. Shopping centers and malls are everywhere, each surrounded by a cadre of restaurants. We attend this club meeting, rush to that kid’s practice, then to the covered dish supper at the church.

Satellite television provides hundreds of crystal clear channels, although just a few are fit to watch. Movies, music, and information are instantly accessible via the Internet. A world of information and entertainment is only a mouse click away.

This is a different world in which we live. And what change there has been in the last forty years alone.

When I was a boy, going to a restaurant meant a trip to the fish camp. There were no family steakhouses at that time. And there certainly wasn’t a restaurant at every corner of the mall parking lot. In fact, there wasn’t even a mall.

The Internet was a military secret. Television stations were few, and color sets weren’t the norm. I saw Neill Armstrong become the first man to set foot on the moon… and I saw it in black and white. I think we could tune in two channels at the time.

Just as today’s world is far ahead of then, so was then advanced over the previous generation.

Television itself was rare. Most people received their entertainment from the radio voices of Amos and Andy and Jack Benny, or they read books and magazines. It’s only a short jump from there to the 19th Century, where horses were the main source of transportation. Just think, less than 100 years from the heyday of the buckboard man walked on the surface of the moon.

Now, you may be saying, “This is all well and good. But it has nothing to do with Bethlehem.” Perhaps that’s true in a direct sense. But I wonder if we, with all the advancements of modern living, can imagine what the primitive shepherds of Luke’s Gospel saw unfold before their eyes. The thought came to me as I read the Christmas Story for the umpteenth time, not that you can read it enough.

Some translations place the shepherds “in the same country”; others say they were “in the fields nearby.” Either way it is evident that they were on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Yet, it wouldn’t be similar to our being on the outskirts of a nearby town today. There would be no radiant glow of the city lights reflecting against the night sky. There would be a darkness that most of us can’t appreciate.

Perhaps they had kindled a small campfire and a torch or two. But they wouldn’t have been very close to that light for it would have compromised their night vision, making it difficult to spot thieves or predators. And wasn’t that the reason they were there? The only prevailing light came from the stars and the moon.

No distant train whistle pierced the night. No car horns honked and no jets passed overhead. There are no blaring stereos, no blinding televisions, and no ringing cell phones. The only sound of this “Silent Night” would have been their conversation and the bleating of the sheep. They were all alone.

Suddenly there appeared from nowhere a figure whose presence illuminated the night sky with the glory of God. The angel made a startling proclamation and was joined by a multitude of heavenly beings. Try to imagine how these men, so unaccustomed to brilliant displays, would have reacted.

With the rapid societal transformations and technological advancements we know today it can be difficult, if not impossible, to relate to the lives of those shepherds. When we consider black and white television archaic, it’s unlikely we appreciate the gravity of what they witnessed on the outskirts of Bethlehem.

It’s easy to sit in front of the fire, open the presents, and discuss the wonderful experience of the Bethlehem shepherds. But with our lives so accustomed to sound, light, and distraction, I wonder how many of us truly consider the frightening power and majesty displayed that long ago night? I wonder if we can consider it at all.

What’s Up with Thinkin’ Bout It

With Dr. Vince Hefner Pastor, First Baptist Church, Cherryville

Ever since our children were small we always have had a particular tradition at Christmas time.  The entire family would load up in our vehicle, go to a Christmas tree lot, select a Christmas tree, and then go out to eat dinner.  This year we could not get everybody together so my daughter Kelly volunteered to select the Christmas tree and bring it back to the house.  She brought home a beautiful 10 foot tree and she wanted to put it up that night.  We brought up our tree stand from the basement, the kind that has a spike in the bottom of it to hold the tree upright.  The only problem with that is that I needed to drill a hole in the bottom of the tree so the spike would hold the tree.  I pulled out my drill, found the right bit, and went to drilling.  Instead of drilling a hole that was straight, my hole went to one side, which meant the tree leaned, just a little, o.k., it leaned a lot, but it was barely noticeable if you didn’t stare at it too long!

The crooked tree did not diminish the excitement of my wife and daughters as they quickly but professionally placed the lights on the tree, along with countless ornaments that we have collected over the past 25 years.  Within a couple of hours the tree was completed covered and we took pictures to remember the special time.  However, when we stood in front of the tree for a picture, we would lean with the tree, to make it look upright.  There is a special feeling of accomplishment when a Christmas tree is fully loaded down with years of memories of past Christmases.  The only thing we had to do was buy the packages that go under the tree so we would have something to unwrap on Christmas morning.

That night before we went to bed I took one more look at the magnificent but crooked tree and with a grateful heart to my wife and kids for getting it completed, I cut off the living room light, closed the door and began to prepare for bed.  Then I heard something that sounded like an explosion coming from the living room.  I thought that someone had thrown a brick through our window, but fortunately I was wrong.  I opened the door and our crooked Christmas tree was no longer crooked because it was laid on the floor!  Shattered ornaments, water, pine needles, and Christmas lights were strewn all across the floor.  My wife and son came running into the room and saw the carnage of what was once a beautiful Christmas tree.  I later found out that my daughters heard the sound and figured out the tree had fallen, so they laid in bed and pretended to be asleep so they wouldn’t have to clean up the mess.  Let me tell you, it was a mess.  Twenty five years of Christmas ornaments were busted or damaged.  We cleaned up the mess, stood the tree back up, and eventually used fishing line to hold the tree in place.  It is straight now, but with a lot less of ornaments!

What did I learn from the crooked Christmas tree?  First, when something is crooked that is supposed to be straight, straighten it our before you continue.  To hope or pretend it will not fall down it just foolish.  Second, cleaning up a mess that could have been avoided is more difficult than cleaning up a mess where you had done your best to avoid a problem.  Third, Christmas is not about a straight tree or a crooked one, so don’t get mad and lose the spirit of Christmas if your tree falls.  Fourth, Christmas is about remembering that God gave His best to us to save us from our sins, a fact that should affect everything we do and say.

Matthew 1:21 says “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” This is why we celebrate Christmas!  Remember, don’t give in to sin.  Think about it!

What’s Up with Revelling In It

By Rebecca Revels

Yes, Gastonia, there is still a thing called compassion. It is alive and well and living in the hearts and actions of many. While there are those that go about the days complaining about the hassles, the cost and the frustrations of Christmas, there are those that go about contentedly living out the reason for the season.

Recently an 85 year old woman had over $600 worth of fuel oil stolen, in the process of walking out her front door in an attempt to find out why her heat wasn’t working she fell and suffered injuries that have left her in pain and in need of assistance. This one elderly lady who became the victim of one or more “Grinches” who attempted to steal her Christmas immediately came to the attention of the press who brought it to the attention of the masses. Many good Samaritans upon hearing of this have stepped up to assist her. Her oil was replaced, groceries and money was brought and more. While physically she is still suffering, I imagine her heart is much lighter as her physical needs have been taken care of. While the thieves may have caused her to wonder about the humanity of her fellow man, the people and organizations that came to her aid gave her reason to believe once more.

I know of people who will soon be traveling to an area in the mountains taking a truck load of food, toys and clothing for those in need. They did this last year and came back talking about how great was the need and how grateful the people were.

Schools are holding share the warmth programs to get coats for those that do not have one.

I have passed places that are taking donations of “new” toys for the children of families that are suffering financial difficulties. Motorcycle riders, organized charities, churches, individuals the list goes on and on. Every day people that are stepping up to make a difference for someone that has less. People that are opening their hearts, giving of their time and talents to help their brother. Walking away possibly with a lighter wallet, but with a huge smile on their face and a warm feeling in their heart.

While there are those among us that have grown cynical and hard, there are more that still care. They have not closed their eyes to the suffering and needs of their fellow man and they will without hesitation step forward.

We are now in a time of great trials and suffering. We are still at war with many service people away from their homes and families. There are more people out of work than there has been in a long time. People are losing their homes, their possessions and their sense of self worth. People who are trying desperately to find work are having no luck. Money is tight if available at all. There are those that sit in a cold house wondering how long they can make that last can of soup last. There are those on the street who do not know the warmth of a real home or have lost it for what ever reason.

This is the time of year that we battle crowds in stores, traffic back ups and bad attitudes. We fight over the last fancy this, elaborate that, or in short supply the other. We wrap up in our coats, hold onto our wallets and examine sales papers religiously. We sit in warm homes with a good meal and warm drink enjoying what ever form of entertainment we choose. For many there is a decorated Christmas tree in the room, lights glowing softly. Under that tree are beautifully wrapped packages, just waiting for the day. Homes are decorated and well lit. Cupboards are filled and laughter fills the home. Some, while they go about their preparations for the Day merely complain and gripe about the hassle and commercialism of Christmas.

But as the case of the 85 year old victim of one of the season’s Grinches has proven, we also open our hearts and prove one more time, that yes, there is still a thing called compassion, and it is alive and well in our hearts.