3 CHEERS

...for all those who, in many different ways, are working hard to make Christmas 2009 as seasonal in spirit as is possible in the midst of a bleak economic landscape. A glance at the Bulletin's regular What's On feature will show what an impressive number of social, entertainment and other events has been organised for the next few weeks in various parts of the island. They range from Carol Services to Christmas Lunches, from Christmas Markets to Handel's Messiah at Palma's Auditorium, from a Swedish Santa Lucia parade to school bazaars. Over this period churches will be packed and as Christmas passes to New Year the anticipation of Majorca's spectacular Three Kings parade will grow. Behind most of these events there are volunteers, many of whom have been working for months to ensure that everything goes smoothly “on the night”, and very often their work will be helping a charity. The Three Cheers should also be extended to the Palma City Council for going ahead with Christmas lights and entertainment despite the economic freeze -- its decision will raise spirits and light a little hope in the gathering gloom.