It has been a very long 2024 for many of us. For me, it has been prolonged because of my health. I have missed my time at the Herald writing the news and communicating with the community.

However, in this year, I have been able to contemplate many things, trying to improve myself physically and in other ways.

During this Christmas season, I have been able to focus on what is important to me and the memories I had of Christmases past.

My favorite Christmas happened at a time when my parents were at their lowest, when we were at our humblest, our poorest and our weakest. There were my parents plus my sister and I, the two remaining siblings of six — all adults.

My father had become very ill following the closure of his business and potential bankruptcy. I had been planning on going on a Latter-day Saint mission and was told no, that I had to help my family financially.

One day, in the week before Christmas, there was a knock at our door. Standing in the doorway was Santa Claus decked out in red-and-white suit, a big bag over his shoulder and a hearty grin on his face. Our family of four came to the door. He said, “I am here because your neighbors and friends have asked me to make a special stop.”

He put his bag on the ground, opened it and pulled out some wrapped presents: one for my sister, one for me and one for my mother. He also pulled out a whole dinner: a ham, canned vegetables, a box of instant potatoes, gravy in a bottle and other things, including candy for stockings.

To my father, who has always considered himself a Grinch or Scrooge, he handed a white envelope. Then Santa said, “This is for you from those who love you.” When my father opened the envelope there was a $1,000 cashier’s check.

My father, in shock, lost his balance and leaned against the wall and sobbed because of the gesture. My mother had to console him. Santa Claus hugged him and all of us stood together with our arms around each other, crying in gratitude for the special gift from those around us who loved us and could see our needs at the time.

I will never forget that Christmas. I have tried over the years to pay it forward as much as I can in good times and bad to help others see and feel the spirit of Christmas.

This year is no different.

To those who may be reading this, I give you my gift of love this Christmastime knowing that I have not been with my communities and with my friends this entire year. To those who read the Daily Herald, I wish you the very best of Christmases and the knowledge that you are loved and you are missed and that one day soon my health will be such that I will be back with you again.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Genelle Pugmire is a longtime reporter for the Daily Herald.