One of the most delightful scenes in a Christmas movie is the one in “It’s A Wonderful Life” when George Bailey (played to perfection by James Stewart) joyously greets everything from people to buildings, shouting, “Merry Christmas!” as he runs along the snowy main street in his rush to return home to his family. 

Those were people and things he had taken for granted before that moment in time, but no longer. His recent experiences had taught him to reassess his priorities and to appreciate his life just as it was. 

We’re all guilty at times of overlooking the things closest and dearest to us while setting our sights on some faraway prize. So, this Christmas, we’ve taken the liberty of bringing some of the things we all take for granted back into closer focus. 

• Merry Christmas, farmers and ranchers!

You are the backbone of our extended community, whether your operation is big or small. Your hard work, your solid values, your commitment to the land and to the future, help make Powell the thriving community it is.

You work long, grueling hours. You often provide work for young people, as well as the wisdom and guidance needed to go with it. You’re tough, weathering Mother Nature’s setbacks as well as reaping the benefits of her blessings.

• Merry Christmas, Powell businesses!

We appreciate all you do to keep our community strong and viable and to provide local goods and services. We know it’s not an easy task, especially given the competition from online merchants and services.

But we value local businesses operated by people who understand our priorities and needs, and the economic development they provide. We thank you for helping make our small town strong.

• Merry Christmas, law enforcement officers!

You have difficult and often thankless jobs. You work around the clock, 365 days a year, to keep us safe and to protect us from harm — and occasionally from ourselves.

Sometimes that means putting your life on the line or inserting yourselves between us and danger, often without thanks or recognition. We appreciate everything you do behind the scenes to help make our community the pleasant place it is.

• Merry Christmas, volunteers!

You’re the people who work without pay to make a difference in and for our community, often behind the scenes and without notice. The ones who, after working all day to support and care for yourself and your family, selflessly take up other jobs on your own time to help improve the quality of life in the city and for its residents. You volunteer to serve on community-oriented boards; you brighten the life of a child or someone in need. You help gather donated food or provide a holiday meal. You organize an event or help make Christmas possible for people who are less fortunate. Whenever there is an unmet need, you’re the first people to whom we turn for help, and for that, we thank you.

• Merry Christmas, Northwest College!

You provide education and training opportunities most small towns don’t have, along with good jobs and economic stability. You are one of the largest employers in town, and you allow our youth to complete two years of college in a supportive environment close to home. You provide career-enhancing opportunities for young parents, stimulating classes for older adults, and educational and social opportunities for everyone in between.

You specialize in training in music, arts and photography and provide the cultural and community events that accompany them. You broaden our horizons by exposing us to cultures from around the world. You add interest, opportunities and spice to our lives. 

• Merry Christmas, Powell Valley Healthcare!

You’ve had a rough go over the last several years, but you’ve hung in there, continuing to provide compassionate and quality medical care, and you remain the second-largest employer in town. A strong health care system is one of the requisites for a strong community, so we look forward to watching as you continue to plan for future facility needs and move toward a brighter future. 

• Merry Christmas to those who are suffering. 

We know this is a difficult time of year for many who have lost loved ones or who are struggling with health problems or other challenges. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish for you a brighter future with comfort and healing, caring people to help ease your burdens, and the ability to endure and overcome the challenges you face.

• Merry Christmas to our readers!

We appreciate the opportunity we have to bring you local news and event coverage. Wherever you are, young or old, whatever your focus in life, you’re the reason we do what we do. Yours are the faces and the stories in the Powell Tribune. You create the fabric of our community. 

• Merry Christmas to all!

As we celebrate Christmas and the birth of our savior on Thursday, we also celebrate the renewal of the human spirit it brings. We wish you all a bright, happy holiday season.