It’s astounding to consider this week’s edition of the Chinook Observer is the last one before Christmas, after a quick and busy year. No matter all the terrible turmoil in the world and frustrations in the nation, I’m struck by how good it is to live in this blessed place on the North Pacific seashore.

This week we’ll have our usual big package of local news, plus some items more attuned to the season:

• Did you know that the Christmas-y holly growing all over is an invasive plant that some in western Washington are actively combating? Read all about it this week.

• An early Oysterville Christmas feast included roast beef with very questionable seasoning.

• My column discusses lesser-known Christmas traditions, including Black Pete, a holiday helper who delivers special attention to those on the “Naughty list.”

• Do-it-yourself presents — and many other things — are made at Ilwaco Artworks, a new enterprise featured in this week’s Coast Weekend. Consider joining in.

• Columnist Cate Gable explores a local friend’s “holiday village” installation. Also take time to enjoy a public one at Hungry Harbor in downtown Long Beach, where Dennis and Lois have amassed a fun and impressive beach town. (Their burgers and milkshakes are tops, too.)

When it comes to “hard” news, we have plenty, including more details about a national fugitive captured last week in Tokeland. See www.chinookobserver.com/news/local/nationwide-manhunt-locates-suspect-in-tokeland/article_907ac68c-9a17-11ee-a2a6-3759619c1c5c.html. The arrest illustrates something I’ve often commented on — that Americans keep moving west until they can go no further. Many good people — and a few bad ones — come to rest right here on Pacific County’s wild shore.

Thanks as always for your support of the Chinook Observer. Please consider giving a subscription for Christmas.