On Saturday, a contractor began the demolition of the buildings in downtown Lewiston that were heavily damaged in Tuesday’s fire and subsequently deemed dangerous. The loss has cast a pallor over the Twin Cities’ holiday season. Downtown had been flooded with optimism just days ago, as a stunned crowd attended the unveiling of the redeveloped Lyceum Hall, a few blocks away from where the fire would start.

Days later, it was water from firehoses that was flooding downtown, eroding this newfound positive attitude to reveal an undercurrent of despair. It’s hard to believe two men and a boy could undo more than 100 years of history in their spare time, yet a trio are accused of starting the blaze.

This inferno is a tragedy, but one fraught with silver linings. Not one soul was hurt seriously, either from the fire or in fighting it, despite its ceaseless smolder. For this, we are grateful and thank Lewiston’s emergency responders for their tireless efforts on behalf of the community.

Although the fire is a punch to the civic gut, the loss of these buildings is manageable. Their value to the city was better calculated in sentiment rather than dollars. The shops and restaurants that inhabited the spaces have long since relocated or disappeared, and rehabilitation of the sites was moving glacially, at best.

Lewiston lost three dilapidated vacant structures along a strip with too many already. It sounds harsh, given the colorful history of these Lisbon Street landmarks, but the fire could be construed as an early Christmas gift to the city. Some old buildings – especially those that have burned before – are not always worth saving.

From the rubble of downtown, Lewiston will rebuild.

Happy, holy holidays

Too much oxygen, ink and paper have been wasted in the debate over “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays” as the proper greeting during this page of the calendar. This infernal rigmarole is growing tiresome with each retelling, and is propelled entirely by hot air.

Argumentative sorts should listen to the Rev. Ted Toppses – who is Greek Orthodox – when he puts it this way: “People should be free to express their feelings,” Toppses told the Sun Journal recently. “It’s not like someone’s trying to convert or hurt you.” Hear, hear, Reverend.

Rabbi Hillel Katzir told the Sun Journal his preferred salutation is “Have a happy and holy Christmas,” a beautiful phrase that should satisfy any secular or religious opinion.

With all the pressure prevalent around this time of year, the last thing that should be stressful is the simple act of well-wishing. Expressing any sentiment of happiness should be thoughtful and genuine, not calculated and contrived based on ideology or fears of reprisal.

This is why we, the editorial board of the Sun Journal, wishes you the happiest and holiest of holidays.

Whichever one you wish to celebrate.