It’s far too easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about these days.

But as people across Talladega and St. Clair counties open up their presents — unwrapping iPods, toy cars and dolls, jewelry, or designer sweaters (or family-size packs of lime green ankle socks and purple-and-pink polka-dot ties), we need to take time and pause and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.

That meaning is all the more important this holiday, just a few short days before the end of 2009 — a rough year, especially economically, for so many people, not just in Talladega and St. Clair counties, by across the state and nation and around the world.

But this is the time of year to celebrate all that is good in humanity — something that, despite all impressions otherwise, is never in short supply, especially in these parts.

Whether you draw your strength spiritually, reflecting on the birth of Christ and his teachings of compassion and kindness, or from within yourself, through you family or some other source, we can be proud of what we, as individuals and communities have done to make life better for others during these tough times.

In the past few weeks, The Daily Home has run countless articles about all the outpouring of charity from individuals, businesses, organizations, government and industries across the area.

We have opened our hearts and our wallets to make sure that those less fortunate, especially children, in the area are provided for this Christmas. We donate toys, fill the red kettles outside stores with change and provide food for the hungry.

Residents have worked not just to help individuals, but come together for projects, like recent parks and playground renovations or even the parades that have drawn crowds to our downtown districts, that make our communities better places to live, better places to raise our families and retire to.

The spirit of Christmas is about giving — something people in Talladega and St. Clair counties have done in almost record amounts this year and made all the more special because this is a time when so many people have needed that little extra help and almost everyone is having to tighten their belts.

The spirit of Christmas is thriving in Talladega and St. Clair counties, and we are all the better for it.

The Daily Home staff are proud to be a part of our communities and wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays.