Express & Star Comment: We’ve got plenty to be thankful for

Are you hanging up a stocking on your wall?

Are you waiting for the family to arrive?

Or are you bogged down with last minute Christmas shopping?

In the grand scheme of things, 2017 has not seemed quite as tumultuous for the country as the year that preceded it, with its Brexit vote and change of Prime Minister.

That is not to say the year has gone smoothly, particularly as we were presented with an unexpected election.

With Donald Trump in the White House, many will also have been keeping an eye on events across the pond.

But overall it seems to have been a year of progress for the Black Country and Staffordshire, with a raft of new developments sparking real signs of growth.

Finally, there appears to be a long-overdue zest for spending money on the region's infrastructure.

This has partly been sparked by the work of the West Midlands Mayor, and long may it continue.

The post-Brexit crisis predicted by Project Fear never happened, and the economy appears to be doing fairly well, despite the mess Theresa May's administration is making of the negotiations with certain unscrupulous EU bosses.

All in all, it means that a feel good factor has returned to our towns and cities.

And this is added to by by West Bromwich Albion's more than respectable 10th place finish in the Premier League, Walsall's continued off-the-field progress, and the emergence of Wolves as a Premier League club in waiting.

There is plenty to shout about as we head into the festive period.

Hopefully, the wonderful Christmas spirit will last longer than two or three days.

It will be nice if people can remember the good nature that this period brings and that it can be spread across the coming 12 months.

This is the time for peace on earth and goodwill to all men.

No matter what your race, creed, denomination, or favourite tipple, be sure to raise a glass on Christmas day.

Give thanks for what you have got and remember those you have loved and lost.

But more than anything, make sure you have a bostin' time.

In the words of the great Noddy Holder, Merry Christmas everybody!