December got off to a great start with Marysville celebrating the 20th anniversary of Merrysville for the Holidays and Arlington welcoming adults and children alike to its Hometown Holidays.

Parades, festivities and visits by Santa were just some of the holiday events locals were able to enjoy during these two traditional celebrations.

The holiday spirit continued as community members, service organizations, children and others came together in many ways to ensure that the less fortunate in our communities were able to celebrate the holidays as well. Hundreds of local families were served by community food banks because of the generosity of our communities.

Then, last week, as I looked out the newsroom window, I saw cars lining up in the parking lot at the Healthsouth Rehabilitation Center. They were there for the Operation Marysville Community Christmas Toy Store.

Nearly 1,800 local children had their holidays brightened because of the caring and compassion of others in the community.

These are just a few examples of the holiday spirit of giving that is such a big part of our communities. People giving what they can — whether it be food, toys, money or their time — to ensure that everyone has a happy holiday.

So it is in that spirit that we say, “From all of us at The Marysville Globe and The Arlington Times, to all of you — Happy Holidays.”

To contact a member of The Marysville Globe/Arlington Times editorial board — Stuart Chernis or Scott Frank — e-mail forum@marysvilleglobe.com.