DECEMBER is here, Advent is underway and, most notably, winter has finally arrived, giving a seasonal flavour to the town and local area in the run-up to the festive season.

Once the novelty of the white stuff has worn off, we should reflect that at this time last year, we were already encased in ice.

Indeed, movement around the area was difficult, with delays on roads and railways, so anything less will probably be an improvement and people will grit their teeth and get on with it, hoping that things don't get as bad.

Here at the 'Gazette' offices, the winter woollies have made an appearance and the kettle has been on marginally more than normal, but the news has definitely got a more cosy flavour, with lots of cheery festive events and photo opportunities of school children getting ready for their Christmas celebration.

Fund-raisers such as the Rotary Club's Santa sled, which is extremely popular and well supported, also put a rosy glow on the season.

Despite the state of the economy and continuing bombardment of bad news, people don't seem to be looking at the festive season, through less commercial or joyous eyes this year, despite talk of recession.

The Santa sled, however, is one way that people can reach out to their community, as all the cash raised goes towards local charities. It isn't all about money, of course, and for the volunteers, the looks on the faces of youngsters as they get to say hello to Santa is priceless and a Christmas memory to be cherished.

Talking about sacrifice for others, for people living in the town with sons or daughters or relatives in the armed services or working away from home, it isn't plain sailing, but hopefully living in a small community means that support is there from friends and family, if it is needed.

On the subject of support, local lad Fraser Smith was on the receiving end of a lot of goodwill at the weekend at a fund-raiser which was organised to raise enough cash to send him to Disneyland before he loses the sight in his one remaining eye, with £1,000 raised. Fund-raising coffee mornings also reported doing good business.

And the strong community spirit didn't end there, as a specially invited audience turned out on Friday night to officially welcome the inaugural Film Forres Cinema Night. Nearly £50,000 has been raised in the community for this project which will provide film entertainment for young people and other members of the wider community. A worthwhile project which demonstrated what can be done on goodwill and hard work.