While for children the holidays are much about the gifts they receive, the older we get the more the “gifts” are of a vastly different nature. Certainly, we in the midstate are rich with an abundance of quality entertainment opportunities, many of which -- such as the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Tubman African American Museum, the Museum of Aviation and others -- also offer an education component.

Indeed, these opportunities are one of the paramount reasons why this region can be such a splendid place to raise children. I thought about these matters recently when I attended a concert by the Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra. Macon is blessed to have not only a first-rate orchestra but -- thanks to Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music -- a splendid group of youth ensembles.

We also are fortunate that our community theaters, spread from Perry to Forsyth, devote major efforts to programs for children. The recent productions of the Youth Actors Company and Macon Little Kids Theatre leap to mind.

Children’s productions also are presented by the Academy of the Performing Arts, which also offers instruction in acting and music. Dance instruction is sufficiently plentiful that we are able to offer multiple productions of the holiday icon “The Nutcracker” each year. The Middle Georgia Concert Band provides opportunities for those who studied music in high school or college.

Truly, we are fortunate. These opportunities not only enhance quality of life but make the region attractive to others -- individuals or industries -- that might like to locate here.

Joy of giving

Here’s a reminder: If your mailbox is anything like mine, you’ve received requests for year-end donations from some of these organizations that enrich our lives. It’s easy in the Christmas rush for these pleas to get overlooked, so I hope that you’ll fish one or more out of the recycling bin and write a check.

By 10 a.m. on Christmas morning, most folks realize that the joy of receiving is short-lived. The joy of giving, however, lasts all year long.

I’m sure that we all have an organization about which we feel especially impassioned.

One of my favorites is the Historic Macon Foundation. These folks strive mightily to ensure that the structures that give Macon its unique character are preserved.

Contact Larry Fennelly at LarryFennelly@AvantGuild.com