Lots to do, and much more to come

The holiday season is in full force, and cheer is in the air.

For those who lament the offerings of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and the surrounding area, open your eyes to the celebration of events that makes our towns glitter.

Here's just a taste of what's been happening in the past two weeks:

There's been an opportunity to watch a world-famous ballet troupe dazzle a packed-to-the-rafters crowd at the Show Me Center. Vibrant costumes with flowing capes and sparkling wings crowned 50 dancers from the Moscow Ballet and more than 50 local dancers in a performance of the "Great Russian Nutcracker."

Across town on the same night, orange-and-black-clad faithful cheered their beloved Central Tigers in the state football playoffs.

And local writer (and prosecuting attorney) Morley Swingle led a discussion on his new book, "The Gold of Cape Girardeau."

There has been a night of great food from restaurants throughout the area, and good dancing to the tunes of Mid-Life Crisis, at the Southeast Showcase, with all proceeds going to a good cause.

The football Indians drew thousands into Houck Stadium on an uplifting finale to a successful year, while Southeast Missouri State University's basketball teams kicked off their seasons.

There have been jazz concerts and art shows, high school drama performances and college plays.

Even the Sierra Club added to the fun with a rally around high-efficiency hybrid cars.

Coming up the next few weeks are holiday light parades and festive house decorations, basketball games, concerts, choir performances, church celebrations, a Neal McCoy Christmas concert and some turkey and lots of trimmings.

There are karaoke nights and live music at night clubs, history lectures and new movies.

Of course, there's shopping too, with much to see and great stuff to buy.

And hot chocolate, cappuccino, cookies and cake.

Beginning Dec. 6 in the Southeast Missourian, a special restaurant dining guide will be published in the Arts and Leisure section, highlighting the many culinary delights around. We are blessed with wide choices of restaurants here. Make sure to take a peek ... and a taste.

At the Southeast Missourian, we're quite excited about this holiday season because it will be our last with our old presses.

In mid-January, we'll begin printing with a new, higher-powered, higher-quality press, allowing us to reproduce more and better color throughout the sections of the newspaper each day.

A new building, which will house the $2.5 million press, is near completion in space adjoining our current production facility on William Street, and in a couple of weeks the installation of the new press will begin (not a day too soon).

The holiday season this year is shorter, because of Thanksgiving's position later in the month. So, hold onto your hat. This is your last weekend before the whirlwind begins.

Don't forget to smile.

And remember, kindness is always in season, but it's especially nice when stress rises to hectic heights.

If the season starts to swallow you, take a moment to pray and to laugh at the challenges of living. Then reflect upon those who don't have what you do, and give a bit more of yourself.

The fun -- and the season's spirit -- have just begun.

Jon K. Rust is co-president of Rust Communications. His e-mail address is jrust@semissourian.com .