Herald editor James Miller was part of the ensemble in Whistle Down the Wind. From left, Avi Selvig, Miller, Cindy Gilbert, Regis Palmer, Tyler Evans and Adrienne Penner.

With this being the final day before Christmas, I thought I'd take a brief moment to thank all of those who have supported The Herald over the past 12 months. I become extremely sentimental over the holidays.
Thank you to all of our readers, whether they're with us for every day of the year as subscribers, read us on-line (as you are now), pick us up at a local coffee shop or buy The Herald on the newsstand at one of our great dealers. I love you all.
To the many businesses and organizations which advertise with us, we thank you for your continued support.
For all those who have dropped off cards and other goodies at our office for our staff to enjoy, thank you. We truly pride ourselves on being part of the
community.
To our many unsung heroes Ñ the drivers and carriers, who faithfully bring you a paper 360 days of the year Ñ you're the best. Thanks for all of your hard work and the countless early
mornings.
In closing, I thank the many friends and acquaintances who I've gotten to know so well since arriving here in the Okanagan in a beat-up mini-van from the metropolis of Edmonton. I appreciate your support and even more so your friendship.
And to my co-workers. You're the finest people I've ever worked with.
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Even though Christmas is tomorrow, our Be An Angel campaign runs until New Year's Eve. Contributions will still be accepted on-line or in person at 101-186 Nanaimo Ave. W. including today until noon. There are no administrative fees kept and 100 per cent of your donation remains in the South Okanagan to help needy families with the Boys and Girls Club as well as Valley First's Feed the Valley project.
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Inside today we have a special eight-page section appropriately titled Christmas Greetings. Please check it out especially if you're a dog lover.
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I was a member of the Whistle Down the Wind ensemble which had five shows at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Unfortunately much of the cast was sick including three of the five leads.
But the show must go on.
Because of this, the cast party thinned out quite early between people battling colds and flu and others needing to get home for family activities. The ones who literally closed the place were the kids in the cast. It's the first time I've ever seen 12-year-olds be the life of the party.
Thanks again to the cast and crew of Whistle Down the Wind for accepting a lousy singer who can't memorize entries. Thanks to all those who took a chance on seeing a musical they've
never heard of before. It was a Canadian premiere and I understand other theatre companies will be performing it in 2013.
And to all a good night.
James Miller is managing editor of The Herald.