As the holiday season approaches, the Editorial Board took time to pause and give thanks for items that fulfill our daily lives.

We are thankful for:

• The many organizations and churches who care about the struggling people in our community and act on their behalf.

• The nearly finished construction of Federal Way High School. A building that was once dilapidated will now be a gem in the city.

• Our geography that gives us beautiful views of the Puget Sound and magnificent views of Mount Rainier.

• For the new 30th Legislative District’s leadership in the State House of Representatives and for the community commitment of the former representatives that will be leaving the position.

• The opportunity to once again walk the boardwalk in Redondo.

• Golf and the good walk it spoils.

• Good books, an award-winning community newspaper in the Mirror and publicly funded science-based television shows.

• The well-maintained streets and parks in the city of Federal Way.

• The responsiveness and helpful attitude of the police and fire department in Federal Way.

• Family and friends.

• Living in the Pacific Northwest. It is an amazing place to call home.

• Power tools.

• The gift to society of music, musicians and song writers. Planet Earth would be a drab place without these artists.

• Chocolate.

• A sense of wonder and the realization that we are self-aware. The great Carl Sagan once said, “We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”

• “The Sound of Music.” A timeless classical piece even after nearly 51 years.

• For being able to help the citizens of Federal Way as a volunteer.

• For the colleagues on the editorial board. While we may disagree, sometimes passionately, without exception we have listened to each other and considered various points of view.

• This year’s elections being over.

• The newly built William Wood subsidized apartments for veterans and their families that is due to open on Dec. 8.