’Twas just a week before Christmas, when all through the Tri-State everyone was stirring, no one wanting to be late, the perfect gifts being sought, the hunt was on for just the right things to be bought.”

That modern take on the Christmas poem may not have quite the charm of the original but its meaning may be even more relevant in these uncertain times.

As each of us make those final preparations to celebrate Christmas, it is easy to get caught up in all the shopping, cooking, and holiday hustle and bustle.

We hope each and every person finds a way to enjoy all these things and everything else that celebrates Christmas.

But there are lessons many of us learn throughout the year that can become even more important this time of the year.

Remember the reason for the season. Christmas isn’t just a holiday for shopping and gifts. It is one of the most important religious holidays for Christians and this importance should at least be acknowledged by those of any faith.

Stay focused on the important things in life. The holidays can be extremely stressful and even depressing for some who find themselves in tough situations. Hopefully everyone can find a way to enjoy it with friends and family.

 Love thy neighbor — and watch their houses, too. Crime in general, and burglaries specifically, often increases around the holidays so it is important that we look out for one another in our close-knit communities.

 Remember that life isn’t always picture perfect. Many of us visualize the perfect family get-togethers or holiday celebrations, only to be disappointed when reality doesn’t live up to that image. We all must never forget that it is all the little unexpected twists and turns and idiosyncrasies of our friends and families that make it real.

If we can do these things, each of us will be able to say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!”