As the joy inches closer...

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, arguably the most exciting day of the entire year if you’re a child or still have the heart of one.

Before Christmas bells ring in the joy, before parents’ and grandparents’ diligent work and possibly indulgent spending pay off, before the grins and guffaws and gasps of surprise offer proof of another Christmas effort superbly done, we request a quiet pause and a little introspection.

A letter to the editor Friday from employees at Idaho Youth Ranch, Anchor House Family Guidance Center in Coeur d’Alene served as a poignant reminder that even in the best of times, sorrow and tragedy lurk inches away in the shadows. Here’s what happened:

Somebody dropped off Christmas decorations for the nonprofit but only later did staff find a letter that had accompanied the gift.

“I’ve lost 2 sons in the past 4 years,” the donor wrote. “There’s no joy left for me. It is my hope this will bring joy to you. Merry Christmas. PS: They all work, I just took them down 2 days ago.”

The recipients of the gift were moved to the point that they wanted to share this story — and some heartfelt advice — that bears repeating and your consideration.

“This just reminds us that during this busy and festive time of year, many people are hurting,” the Idaho Youth Ranch letter read. “There is sadness, loneliness, and pain for many. Whether an old friend, family member or a complete stranger (especially), a smile, a kind word, an act of charity, compassion, forgiveness... give these. And give these all year long.”

We couldn’t have said it better.