Charitable outreach reflecting the beautiful giving spirit of Christmas shines especially strong this month. Perhaps because we are in our darkest days of the year, the efforts seem to shine more brightly. Whatever the case, on every hand this month, charitable organizations, civic groups, churches, and individuals are helping others. Were we to attempt to list these efforts, we would probably miss more than we include. Homeless people; people down on their luck; children in need; elders living alone; homeless dogs and cats; families with emergencies; everywhere we witness the efforts to brighten their situations. But it is not just for people in need that the big-hearted and busy residents of Gloucester and Mathews exert themselves. They also set out to entertain everyone. Christmas parades; Santa runs; carol sings; open houses with delicious refreshments: all are parts of the generous fabric of the season. In 1988, President George H.W. Bush, in his inaugural address, summed up this ...