The best gift was you

The spirit of Christmas was alive and well in North Idaho.

Just looking through newspapers of the past month, we counted photos and other mentions of locally generated contributions to 31 charities. Thirty-one! Between the bookends of Salvation Army's famous kettles to Press Christmas for All's donor-sponsored gift cards galore, a host of worthy nonprofits depended on citizens' financial and volunteer support through the holidays.

And that's what the spirit of Christmas is really all about: Each of us stepping outside ourselves, looking beyond the perimeter of our personal interests and, with no expectation of reward, doing something to help others. That's how we grow as members of the human race.

Nobody does benevolence better than North Idahoans. We see that through many, many gifts of all sizes, including piggy banks being emptied on the counter at The Press by a child who wants nothing more for Christmas than to help ensure another child can enjoy the holiday. You want a reward, reimbursement for your kindness and generosity? Then bask in the glow of the feeling you derive when doing something good for someone else.

Despite the selfie mentality that seems to dominate society today, you know that it isn't "all about me." It's much more about what we do to improve the quality of life around us - not just in the days leading up to Christmas, but every day of the year.

Here's our annual hope that the spirit of Christmas casts its glorious shadow long after the decorations have been put away and the bank account balanced.