as I sit here at my computer writing this editorial for the Dec. 11th issue of the Pass Herald. The snow is falling lightly on the ground, Christmas melodies are being played on the local radio station and in between the Christmas Carols, blurbs come in reminding us to turn on our Christmas lights on Nov. 30 at 5:00 pm to kick start the holiday season.

   Today is Thursday, Nov. 29th and tomorrow this valley will be buzzing with activity as shoppers hurriedly scurry by, picking up gifts for Christmas during the celebration of “Christmas in the Mountains” - the theme adopted by the Chamber of Commerce this year.

   At this moment I can’t tell you how Christmas in the Mountains went or how the businesses in the Pass fared - but I can only hope they did well. When you have to go for a donation for your club, organization, society or volunteer committee, where do you go? You and I both know - the local merchants in the Pass. I can’t remember too many donations from outside the area. If you continually seek support from our local businesses, then you should be prepared to support them - throughout the year and especially at Christmas.

   Have you ever considered where the Municipality would be without our local businesses here, who try to cater to the local population? Could you imagine what it would be like to travel outside of the Crowsnest Pass every time you needed a nut, bolt, quart of milk, sweaters, shoes, prescriptions, some holiday cheer, or anything you can buy locally? Think about it for just a moment. Pretty dismal thought, isn’t it? You may as well be prepared to stock up as farmers and ranchers do, and hope you have everything you need until the next shopping trip.

   Remember to support those who support you - our local business community.