A GLANCE at our Malvern Memories feature on page 16 proves - not for the first time - that nothing really changes.

The lament at the commercialisation of Christmas that the paper carried in 1904 could have been written at any time in the 100 years since.

However, for all the traditional moans, there is also an opportunity to celebrate the very special nature of Christmas and there is plenty to draw on in this week's issue of the Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter.

Take Thomas Corns, who this time last year was on active service in Iraq. The value his loved ones place on being together is very evident - Christmas will be Christmas because the family can celebrate as one.

Our reviewer at the pantomime Aladdin (page 28) remarked that even in this high-tech world, children are thrilled to lose themselves in the traditional magic on the stage.

That is true also of two-year-old Alice Locker, who more than anyone has encapsulated what an incredibly special time of year this is for children - a sense of wonder that is to cherished and enjoyed by everyone.

There are many reasons to be cynical about the secular side of Christmas, we have all suffered piped music in long queues to spend too much on what we can't eat!

However, it is a wonderful time of year and we have a great deal to celebrate and be thankful for. Without any hesitation, we would be delighted to wish our readers, advertisers and contributors a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.