Whether you read these pages over breakfast every morning, or click through to our website to get the latest news from the other side of the world, we want to wish our readers a safe and happy festive season.

This year has been a big one for the masthead with thousands of dollars raised yet again for the region's less fortunate via our annual Winter Relief and Empty Stocking appeals and our charity partners Launceston City Mission, Benevolent Society, St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army.

The community is important to us. And these appeals are what we are extremely proud of because there are people in our community that need help - especially this time of year when Christmas can be a lonly depressing time for many.

I encourage all of you to head along to Launceston Carols by Candlelight this evening - a key Empty Stocking donor - and spend some happy, quality time with family and friends.

Also, check in on any neighbours that you think may be lonely this festive season. Invite them over for a meal, buy them a bottle of wine or simply knock on the door and say G'Day.

It is the small thing in life that make people smile and the gift of giving does not need to be material.

Please also remember to stay safe, especially on the roads - arrange a designated driver, wear your seatbelt, remove distractions, such as mobile phones, and don't drive when tired - because your family want you around this time next year.

The Examiner wishes you and your family a joyous festive season.