By the time this issue hits the streets, I'll be off doing the family Christmas thing.
However, this particular Christmas around the Boegle household will have a melancholy tinge to it, due to death, illness and other inevitabilities of life. I lost an aunt who was very dear to me earlier this year, and her absence—and the absences of a lot of other loved ones lost in recent years—will be deeply felt. While we'll celebrate the season with good food and great cheer like always, the loss of these people who are near and dear to us will be undeniably palpable. After all, when it comes down to it, the holiday season is really about the people.
This leads me to this week's issue, and specifically our annual Local Heroes feature. Every year, our writers come up with an amazing roster of people who are do-gooders in the deepest, sincerest sense, and this year is no exception. There's an elderly woman who spends her days making quilts for babies born to mothers in need. A woman who volunteers her time to teach kids about the joys and value of gardening. A man who has made it his mission to preserve Tucson culture. And on and on and on.
These are people who understand that it's not just the holiday season that's about the people; life is about other people. Learn about these great Southern Arizonans here.
Speaking of people: I want to wish all of you out there who read the Tucson Weekly a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and/or a joyful whatever-you-celebrate.
Next week: It's our Year in Review!