By TERRY AHNER

tahner@tnonline.comMove over, grinches.Any ill-willed attempts to steal Christmas are bound to fail miserably.Besides, no one wants to be around people who are mean-spirited and unfriendly, especially this time of year.So, kindly step aside, dismiss those winter blues and holiday doldrums, and instead, turn that frown upside down.Based on the litany of Christmas-themed functions staged in recent weeks, it's safe to say the holiday spirit is alive and well.Especially in the Times News circulation area, where countless holiday events have sprung up in some form or fashion over the past several weeks.In turn, our staff has been steadfast in our attempt to provide our readers with as much coverage of these pleasantly cheerful events as possible.On a personal level, holiday-themed functions are typically my favorite and most enjoyable functions to report on.I've been fortunate this week to attend two such gatherings that took place in my beat area.Palmerton's second annual Christmas in the Park event held last weekend in the borough park was among those I had the privilege to cover.While the cold temperatures made it somewhat of a challenge to stay all warm and fuzzy inside, the mere sight of others who went out of their way for a good cause helped temper the situation.Inside the bandstand, prideful singers belted out one Christmas carol after the other.Just across the park, vendors served hot chocolate and soup to patrons to warm up their bodies.The lights around the park, as well as the new lights along Delaware Avenue, were breathtaking in and of themselves.Add the nearly 70 trees which lined the walkways of the park that were lit and decorated, and the borough resembled a mini winter wonderland.Several days later, Slatington Elementary School hosted its annual Senior Citizens Holiday Program.Senior citizens who attended were treated to holiday songs, poems, jokes, crafts, homemade cookies and other holiday amenities.From there, they received a full turkey dinner complete with all the fixings, along with dessert and coffee.To see children that age respect their elders and go all out to put a smile on their face was truly a heartwarming experience.As an observer, the laughter, excitement and camaraderie that bonds all of them together never grows old.It just goes to show that a simple kind deed can go just as far, and perhaps mean even more, than any gift of monetary value.At some point this holiday season, we should all take a moment to reflect on that which is most important to us.Perhaps one day we can even take some of the wisdom that's been passed down to us and impart it to others.Sometimes a kind gesture can go just as far as any present wrapped with a bow, no matter how colorful it may be.After all, looks aren't always everything.