Editor’s Desk: Our last newspaper for 2022 has me thinking of what kind of year we’ve just had

As it’s our last edition for the year, it got me thinking about what word or phrase you would use to describe 2022?

While “unprecedented” and “dumpster fire” might be adequate descriptions for the previous two years riddled with pandemic uncertainty, I think we’ve all seen a shift in 2022.

Perhaps a word or words for this year could be “new normal”, “rebuild”, “resilience” or perhaps even “indifference” or “messy”.

It seems strange to think COVID only spread into our Mid West community fully this year. It seems like we’ve been living with it for much longer, because it’s been breathing down our necks and consuming our thoughts for the best part of three years.

But now, we accept COVID and have learnt to live alongside it. I truly think most people regard COVID now as something only slightly more serious than the flu. Is that good or bad? Is it resilience or indifference? I’m not sure, but I think either way, it’s a very human quality to have to find a way to cope and find a way back to normality.

Don’t get me wrong, this year has been far from perfect or rosy. There’s been ups and downs, hits and misses, challenges and triumphs. But I think we are far stronger for all the trials and tribulations we’ve gone through.

Besides COVID, there was a lot of uncertainty this year both globally and locally. Russia waged war on Ukraine, which saw petrol prices soar here and on the other side of the world. Cost-of-living pressures were affecting more and more families and households. Even the stability of the monarchy was shaken when Queen Elizabeth II died, leaving some questioning our national identity.

But we do have plenty of reasons to celebrate. We live in an amazing part of the world, and our challenges pale in comparison to those who live in Ukraine or a struggling third-world country.

We should never forget our blessings. Which brings me to Christmas, in two days time (still can’t quite wrap my head around that).

Regardless of the presents you receive and the feasts you indulge in, remember the best gift about Christmas is the company you keep. Whether it’s family or friends, cherish the time and don’t waste those precious moments, because remember there are people out there who will be spending Christmas alone and lonely. And that’s a real Christmas tragedy.

If you are driving during this busy time on the roads, please do all you can to ensure you get to your destination safely. Think of your family, or those who would miss you, and that might make you ease off the accelerator a bit, decide against that risky overtaking manoeuvre or to pull over for a break if you’re feeling tired.

Lastly, thanks to all our readers for your support throughout 2022. The reason we do this job is because of you — to inform, entertain and enlighten you about our community. We look forward to returning to the job in 2023, but will keep you updated online as much as possible during the newspaper break.

Mark it down — our first paper for 2023 will be on Friday, January 6.

The merriest of Christmases and the happiest of new years to everyone!