Breaking News

Opinion

Merry Christmas

Editorials

The simple greeting, “Merry Christmas,” has been the subject of one of the biggest battles society in general has faced in recent years. In fact, in many places and in many situations, that greeting has been replaced by the all-inclusive, yet far less meaningful, “Happy Holidays.” That, however, removes the meaning of what this season is all about. It is not just about being charitable or sharing warm and fuzzy feelings. It is not about toys or shopping for that special gift. It is not about cookies or a big home covered with hundreds of colored lights or a holiday ...

Spirit of season remains alive

Editorials

The name Francis Pharcellus Church stands behind words penned that capture the secular spirit of Christmas and the joy and magic on the faces of children at this time of year. Church was the editor of the New York Sun. During his career he wrote many editorials. Some, no doubt, took the city’s politicians to task for their decisions. Others, more than likely, pointed out good things that happened to residents of the city. But nothing he wrote, we would argue, has had as lasting an impact as an editorial that appeared on Sept. 21, 1897. That was when Church took on the task of ...

Holiday lights offer enjoyment

Editorials

Look around your neighborhoods — the holiday spirit is alive and well. Twinkling, and even laser, lights, as well as animated holiday characters and giant blow-up figures can be seen outside homes and businesses this time of the year, fostering a creative and often competitive spirit among homeowners and businesses. Decoration contest winners in area communities either have or will shortly be selected as the holiday season hits high gear with Christmas Eve arriving on Wednesday. We pause for just a moment to offer congratulations to the winners and say thanks to all who have ...

Christmas trees can tell a story all their own

Local Columns

There is something about the soft, steady glow of a Christmas tree. Have you ever taken the time to notice? Christmas trees can tell a story all their own. No matter what city, what town you may live in, if you were to walk past the windows of each and every home on any given block, you would see that no two stories are quite the same. In some living rooms, the trees stand tall, triumphant. The floor beneath is nearly hidden from view. These are the homes where wrapped boxes are stacked high. Each gift contains a curled ribbon and bows to add to the anticipation. Tags ...

Guest column/May your beloved traditions never fade

Local Columns

I’ve been on this planet, barreling around the sun for nearly six decades. My people, the so-called Generation-X, were the last to experience the low-tech, analog world, and the first to experience the explosion of digital technology and its pervasive encroachment on everyday life. As a member of this gap-bridging generation, I can say, without a doubt, that technology ruined Christmas. At least part of it. And it’s not the simple rose-colored glasses of childhood memories. It really did ruin it. Recently, through the magic of the Roku streaming service, my wife and I ...

Guest column/A stocking filled with some penny candy

Local Columns

The wonderful Nutcracker Village in downtown Steubenville continues to evoke a feeling of joy, goodwill and generosity experienced during this holiday season, like Christmastime, which is part of the festive traditions, Tchaikovsky’s dance of the sugar plum fairy, a kindness, and spending time with loved ones. This cavalier Toy Soldier world of the Mouse King is cultivated by decorating, listening to Dean Martin sing “White Christmas” and a Sunday School choral performing, baking fresh gingerbread cookies, and general positive cinnamon in the air feelings, giving a new ...