Much of the web at this time of the year is prepping up the various New Year Predictions lists that will inundate us for the next week or so. I’ve never been big on this type of thing but this year as I look back over what has happened in my life I realize that there are people in it who have come to mean a lot to me; regardless of the fact that have not and will probably not meet them face to face.

Christmas is meant to really celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ; and no matter how much is has been commercialized there is still that deep rooted knowledge that this is a very special day for some. It could also be a time of relishing in the true friendships that have been forged over years of constant contact, of sharing the trials and tribulations of life.

Many of the folks in our forums (and its forebear the NNTP newsgroups) have been there for almost seven years now and in that time we have seen member’s travel the breadth of the world and get married, have seen grandchildren being born and have had our scrabbles and fights just as in any RL family. They have as the years passed become a real part of my extended family and there isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I am not thankful for them being just that – family.

As with any family though there are always some who you are closer to – those that you hold a greater care for and with my extended family this is no different.

Mike (aka noshi) who this year lost his gallant battle against cancer is a friend whose memory I will always treasure and who will always be a part of what makes my life important. He always believed in what I was doing and stood; and I believe still does, with me and for that I am eternally grateful.

Of the one’s that I have met in real life Arni (the great IceDick from Iceland) will always be a friend that I value. He has always been a part of WinExtra from day one and whenever help was needed he was there even when pride was greater than need.

Dan our AngryAmerican (who really isn’t that angry unless you meetup with him in The Cage forum) is someone that I am proud to call a real friend who I have seen grow so much over the last year and makes me happy to have been a part of.

Then there is our Dawn (aka callow) who has always been there with a kind word or a well needed rap on the cyber knuckles when needed.

Robert (aka Nightowl) who with OneNote handy has put his machine through more punishment testing my code than anyone else and who should really be running a Q&A department somewhere.

There are more special people I would and should acknowledge but Christmas is here and you should be spending it with your loved ones and not reading my meanderings. So git outta here and smile and laugh with your children and hug your better half.

Merry Christmas to you and yours from myself and my extended family.