If you’re reading this column, then the Mayans were wrong and the world didn’t end on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, and we are all set for our plans for Christmas.

     I really never believed the world would end on Dec. 21, but I have been fascinated by all of the hype the Mayan prediction has made and how different analysts have put their spin on the news.

     By the harried looks on local retailers’ faces, I don’t really think there were many who believed the prediction either. Everyone seems to be planning for Christmas and the weeks ahead.

     I guess there are probably some who did believe the world was going to end Friday. I’m sure they woke up Saturday morning with a sigh of relief.

     One Facebook poster indicated that anyone who thought the world was going to end on Friday could go ahead and transfer their worldly goods to him. Apparently, he was a non-believer of the prophecy.

     Predictions, such as those by Nostradamus, have always drawn my attention and curiosity.

     I’m always torn between how much of it is actually true and how much just happens to fit his quatrains. I’m sure if we took a few of his writings and applied them to events of this past year, we could fit them to many situations.

     As for the Mayan calendar, I think maybe whoever was chiseling out all of those intricate symbols in stone got tired and just stopped at the year 2012.

     The year 2013 is just a short week away. I try not to make new year resolutions, although I always vow to get healthier and lose weight, something a lot of us should strive for.

     As for 2012, it has been a hectic year. I’ve been telling myself I’m ready for 2013 and ready to leave 2012 behind.

     When looking back at this year, it will be with mixed emotions. It has been a year that has tested both Dennis’ patience and mine.

     At the beginning of the year, Dennis’ job moved him back to Brookhaven, which was definitely a blessing. No more being on the road for him.

     At one point this past year, we had two children and their families (and pets) living with us. One because their home burned, the other because they moved back to Brookhaven and got new jobs. They are all in their own homes now and doing well.

     Late in the year, my family said our last goodbyes to my grandfather and to my husband’s brother. Both events were heartbreaking for us, but life continues on. We have our memories to cherish of our loved ones by.

     On a happier note, I got to experience a few new things. One was dirt track racing. I haven’t been back to a race since that last one, but I’m willing should my husband’s cousins come back around. This time I won’t be wearing glossy lipstick either.

     I also started learning and doing genealogy, which I’m very slow at, but I’ve found a lot of relatives I didn’t know about.

     I also reconnected with my first-grade teacher and her family, and I’ve made a lot of new friends from subscribers who read my column.

     And last but not least, for me 2012 will be remembered as the year the Jacobs family sold the newspaper.

     I started working with Bill 31 years ago this month and although I moved on to other papers during my career, The Daily Leader has always felt like home.

     I’m going to miss working with Bill and Amy, but sometimes change is good. I wish them both well in their new endeavors, which I hope involves rest and relaxation and maybe drinks with tiny umbrellas.

     As for the new management of the paper, I feel our new publisher and newspaper group have good things planned for our local newspaper and I look forward to working with them and getting to know them better.

     As for now, I’m glad the Mayans had it wrong. I’m looking forward to Christmas and the new year.

     My Christmas wish for you is peace and prosperity in 2013. My God bless and keep you all safe.

     Merry Christmas!

     And how was your week?

     Lifestyles Editor Tammie Brewer can be reached at The DAILY LEADER at 601-833-6961 ext. 134, by email at tbrewer@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven MS 39602.