For Christmastime, the weather outside is frightful, but South Jersey is letting it snow holiday generosity.
There is good reason this year to suspend any debate over the merits of "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays."
The most frequently heard greeting as the big day approaches is "Hot enough for ya?" The summertime phrase "Christmas in July" has been replaced by "July in Christmas?"
To the extent that chilly weather and predictions of snow add to people's seasonal spirits, our Christmas goose is cooked -- in a 76-degree oven. Don't fret, though.
There is no shortage of generous South Jersey people, organizations and actions that can make everyone glow inside during this period.
As usual, our region steps up to the plate for those who are less fortunate in how they can celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or other seasonal holidays. Nj.com and our newspaper pages have been full of such stories -- toy drives, food baskets, even community-minded events such as tree lightings and public caroling --since Thanksgiving, and even earlier. We know we're leaving many of them out in this editorial salute, but here are some examples just from the past week:
-- Sicklerville teen D.J. Alexis collected and donated 400 wrapped toys to young patients at Kennedy University Hospital and clients of Kennedy Health Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health in Washington Township. The 13-year-old has been leading this toy drive for four years in memory of his brother Emanuel, who died in infancy in 2006.
-- The Salem County Detachment of the Marine Corps League partnered with the Salem County Fraternal Order of Police on Sunday to distribute gift bags to 75 needy families. The bundles were presented to parents so that their children won't miss out on Christmas presents.
-- FOP Lodge 125 in Monroe Township mixed its toy drive with a Christmas party. The lodge, which represents township police officers, makes sure that the toys go to deserving families in and around Monroe.
-- Holiday light displays are designed to cheer whole neighborhoods, such as the award-winning one at the Yangello family's house in Pennsville, and the Crouch family's 22,000-dancing-light spectacular in Lower Alloways Creek Township.
-- Woodstown's 8-year-old Sid Leevy Jr. delivered more than 500 pairs of warm socks Saturday (just in time for our first, but brief, cold spell) for the homeless, to be distributed by Bridgeton's Bethany Grace Community Church. Last year, the youngster donated 200 pairs of socks.
Some of us may be wearing shorts to stay cool this Christmas Eve, but our hearts will still be warm, thanks to those in our community who understand that sharing is one of the reasons that this time of year is so beloved.
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