Editorial: Let's see safe end to year

The Daily Post wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.

What does Christmas mean to you?

For many it has religious significance, for many it's a time to relax, take stock and catch up with family and friends, while sadly for others it can be the loneliest time of the year.

If you're reading this chances are you're still in town, not off at the bach or visiting the rellies yet. Maybe home is where the heart is instead. Maybe you're still working and finishing up today, or not finishing up at all. Or maybe you're madly dashing to the shops for those final few presents.

Whatever your circumstances I hope you find time over these few weeks we call the silly season to pause, reflect, and smile. Whether your Christmas is full of love and happiness, worship and celebration, food and drink, reunion and reconciliation, backyard cricket and swimming, or simply peace and quiet, it is worth taking the time to quietly give thanks for the good things we have, whether that gratitude be directed at God, the fates or the determination and effort of yourself and those around you.

Your 2014 would have had highs and lows - hopefully more highs than lows - and as your local newspaper we've been here to share some of those with the community.

It's great to be able to celebrate success and achievements, but it's been heartbreaking to report on adversity and misfortune. Let's hope the Christmas period - so often a time of tragedy on our roads and in our waterways - harbours better news this year.

So far 2014 has been a huge news year. We've played a crucial role over the past 12 months in telling you what's happening in your home town and how it affects you, and we'll continue to do it over the next year and beyond.

In a week's time 2015 will kick off with the bang of Glo Festival fireworks and it'll be a whole new year. In the meantime, on behalf of the team at the Rotorua Daily Post, I hope you have a very merry, and safe Christmas.