Commentary By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Christmas is over and a new year cometh.

There is a certain sense of relief that comes with knowing that you don’t have any more traveling to do or any more presents to buy.

I’m glad to know that I don’t have any more gifts to purchase until Valentine’s Day. And I have no doubt that come Jan. 1, retail stores will start stocking the shelves with red hearts and candy just to remind the men of the world that the day created by a greeting card company is just around the corner. So, save up.

But enough about that. Here it is, New Year’s Eve, and we’re staring down the barrel of a brand new year. So, what does 2009 have in store for us?

Some things are obvious:

• The economy stinks, but will hopefully get better

• We have the first black president who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20

• Taxes will have to be paid

• The Easter bunny will come

• Tooth fairies will appear

• We’ll all get another year older and deeper in debt

• We’ll have sunshine, rain and an unbearably hot summer

• Fall will come again and be short-lived

• Santa will be back in a little less than 12 months. So, save up.

Granted, some of these things are givens and could just as easily have been said about any prior or future year, but isn’t it nice to know what you have to look forward to, or dread?

Life is funny, because we really don’t know what the future holds in store for us. I’ve heard senior citizens say it often, “Another day above ground is a good day.” And while that might be morbid and kind of a “glass is half-empty” approach to life, there’s a lot of wisdom in that. Aside from the previously mentioned highlights, none of us really knows what next year will be like.

However, if I had my choice, here’s what I’d like to happen:

• The economy will have a drastic turnaround and a new stimulus package will put $500 in the pocket of every American to do with as we please

• The IRS closes down and we won’t have to pay any taxes

• The Easter bunny will come with a basket full of cash

• Instead of getting older, we’ll somehow be able to reverse a year

• The summer days will not rise above 75 degrees and the fall months will be sunny, rain free and 60 degrees

• Santa will come with a stocking full of cash

While I realize this all sounds very apocalyptic and unfathomable, a man can dream. And I guess dreaming big dreams is part of what New Year’s Eve should be about.

It shouldn’t be about making resolutions you won’t keep or having to have your inebriated buddy drive you to the emergency room because you’ve just blown your thumb off with a bottle rocket.

It should be about dreaming big and seeing those dreams fulfilled in a new year.

So, here’s hoping that all your dreams come true in 2009 and that you have a very safe and prosperous new year.