Well, my daughter and her husband just experienced what they are calling a Christmas Miracle, so I will share it here.

Both of them work in the newspaper industry at the same paper, which is one of the top 50 markets in the country. As with all newspapers, they have experienced major layoffs over the past few years. And last year, my son-in-law, a sports editor, was laid off.

Then this fall, due to attrition, they brought him back in a temp position. The plan was that he would be there through the football season - which of course runs into January -- longer if the home team gets into the playoffs. Plus, there was a hint that they'd be seeing if they could keep him longer, as there are several void positions on the staff right now.

But a week ago they called him in and told him his last day would be December 31, and indicated they would be letting those unfilled staff slots remain unfilled, for budgetary reasons.

Suddenly the holidays were looking pretty grim at my daughter's house, as the unemployment insurance coverage was almost over and it looked as though my SIL was going to have to start from scratch with job-hunting all over again...

Amazingly, I got an email from my daughter last night in which she has declared a "Christmas Miracle," as corporate has reversed their prior decision and now told him they want to keep him on board through March! He has accepted their offer.

So WOO HOO and Happy Holidays for them! And hopefully sharing this story will give hope to others who are in similar straits.