EDITORIAL -- FEATURE SPOT, Editorials, Opinion, Z - TOP HOME
 By  Staff Reports Published 
8:48 pm Tuesday, December 22, 2020

May your days be merry and bright

“May your days be merry and bright” – and the completion of that line, as we all know is, “and may all your Christmases be white.”

Penned by Irving Berlin, this song reminisces on white Christmases of yore, “just like the ones I used to know,” the lyrics reflect wistfully.

Well, here in Alabama, our white Christmases are few and far between, and although there is a chance of snowfall this Christmas Eve, treetops glistening with snow isn’t necessarily our wish for you.

We do, however, hope your days will be merry and bright.

This has been an undeniably difficult year, and even the arrival of “the holidays” can’t erase the struggles we have faced, both individually as well as collectively as a community.

Despite this truth, we here at the Franklin County Times are hopeful for better days ahead for all of us. We invite you to join us in that hopeful optimism.

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise,” as Victor Hugo wrote in “Les Miserables.” Even with all the challenges 2020 has brought – chiefly, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic and everything it has caused – we can be certain tough times don’t last forever.

In a season traditionally devoted to finding greater joy, to being thankful and generous and eager for the days ahead, let’s raise a glass – a cup of good cheer, if you will – to the hope for a happier horizon.

Since March it has sometimes seemed we had nothing but sad news to report, from hospitalizations and deaths to school closures and event cancellations. In spite of that, we know good has come from this year, and we know good will come in the years ahead.

Christmas present is here today, bringing joy that lasts.

As you go through your holiday season, we hope you find that joy that lasts. Even if you’re not getting to enjoy all the traditions that usually accompany the holiday season – whether you’re mourning the Christmas parades or reluctantly canceling you family gathering – let’s look on the bright side.

We know there is one.

Even the darkest night will end.

The sun will rise.

May your days be merry and bright.

Also on Franklin County Times
Vina man may have his bond revoked after messaging a minor
Franklin County, News, Z - News Main
By Kevin Taylor For FCT 
July 30, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A Vina man, who was arrested and charged in 2024 with electronic solicitation of a child, could have his bond revoked after allegedly t...
City OKs ‘Women of True Grit’ agreement
A: Main, Franklin County, News, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 29, 2026
REDBAY–The city council has approved a $12,000 agreement with Hand in Hand Entertainment and Promotions for a one-year “Edie Hand: Women of True Grit”...
Fire training center addition triples size
A: Main, Franklin County, News, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 29, 2026
Firefighters from throughout northwest Alabama use the fire rescue training center in Florence to test their skills in realistic drills, participate i...
Allred named state tourism director
News, Z - News Main
July 29, 2026
MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced the retirement of Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, appointing Glenda Allred in his place. Former Gov. Bo...
Colbert shelter pays off building loan
News, Z - News Main
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
July 29, 2026
TUSCUMBIA — Nearly 30 years after the Colbert County Animal Shelter borrowed money to build its current facility, the shelter has officially paid off ...
We must recommit to principles of freedom
Columnists, Opinion
July 29, 2026
Alabama’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday was never intended to be confined to a single event, institution, or location. From the beginning,...
Fairy tale villains face day in court
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
July 29, 2026
Once upon a time, the stories told only one side. Now it’s your turn to hear the evidence. As you step inside the courtroom, you’ll see some of your f...
July Fest features food, fun and fireworks
News
By María Camp maria.camp@franklincountyimes.com 
July 29, 2026
VINA — Community members gathered Saturday at the Vina Fire Department for the annual July Fest, enjoying food, vendors, a car show, musical performan...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *