HIT: To all of the generosity on display by local children.

The Citizen seems to have inspiring news to report each day about some group of young people, from pre-schoolers up through high school students, doing something charitable for others in need. We've seen youngsters raise money for food pantries, bring some holiday cheer to nursing homes and help pass out toys to struggling families, just to name a few examples.

Kudos also go out to the parents, teachers and other adult leaders who help facilitate these efforts.

MISS: To another dismal labor market report for Cayuga County.

The latest state figures put the November unemployment in the county at 6.3 percent, the highest it's been in that month since 1993.

Of course, the economic problems are not isolated to Cayuga County, but that's not much of a consolation for people without a job.

MISS: To the constant snow, blustery winds and bitter-cold temperatures of the past few days.

It's hard to believe that winter did not officially begin until Sunday.

On the bright side, though, fans of white Christmases should get one this year, even with some warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast for Wednesday.

HIT: To the New York Giants football team, which won an exciting game in overtime Sunday to clinch home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. This team appears well-positioned to defend last year's championship.

MISS: To the New York Jets, whose playoff chances are slim thanks to a blow-up Sunday in Seattle.

The Jets looked like a sure-fire postseason team and a possible championship contender just a few weeks ago. Now they can't even score more than three points in a crucial contest against a bad team.