COMMUNITY COMMENTARY -- Paul James Baldwin

Monday saw the first night of the Christmas Boat Parade, which

thousands of people watched and enjoyed. They were people here in Newport

Beach, as well as those who came here were in a mood to celebrate, party

or simply enjoy themselves with friends. Maybe Sept. 11 put some people

in the mood to appreciate what a beautiful place and what a beautiful and

strong country we live in. And how lucky and blessed we all are here in

Newport Beach.

Maybe it is the season, the holiday season, that makes us smile a bit

more and say happy holidays to strangers. The season seems to get a

little longer every year due to marketing and commercialism, but that’s

OK. In fact, if we could keep the feeling of this holiday season all year

long, that would be great. Don’t you think so?

The boat parade was preceded by one of the most beautiful sunsets

imaginable Sunday evening. The bright and magnificent colors painted

across the skies begged to be viewed upon by anyone with the time to stop

and look. If you did, you were richly rewarded with a visual feast that

knew no bounty, just a changing palette of colors illuminating and

blanketing a very special place where we are all so lucky to live. I hope

and wish everyone was able to have enjoyed this spectacular sunset.

Back to this holiday season. Whether one is Christian, Mormon, Jewish

or Muslim, this is is wonderful season. The only one that could be

offended is Scrooge himself.

I can’t help it, but this season makes me feel kind of warm and fuzzy,

and I haven’t even watched “Miracle on 34th Street” or “It’s a Wonderful

Life” yet this year. It’s been really cold for the last couple of days,

which should give us one more reason to hug the one we love, or be warm

and friendly to strangers on the street or in their cars even. What a

concept. I love it.

Happy holidays to one and to all.

* PAUL JAMES BALDWIN is a longtime Newport Beach resident whose

commentaries will appear occasionally.