Here's hoping that many good little boys and girls - and come to think of it, adults - instead of receiving a new iPhone, Xbox or PlayStation over the holiday, got an old-school present that used to be on everybody's wish list: new ice skates.

Few winter activities are more exhilarating than gliding across the ice, and we're delighted to see so many aficionados are taking advantage of the newly reopened rink in Norwich, now called the RoseGarden Ice Arena.

Not too long ago the rink threatened to go the way of Frosty the Snowman on a balmy day because 20-year-old cooling equipment failed and the city was unsure if it could or should spend the money to fix it.

Kudos again to Norwich City Council Alderman Mark Bettencourt, also a member of the Ice Arena Authority, for devising and helping push through a plan to turn over operations of the rink to a private management firm.

RoseGarden Ice Associates, chosen from among three companies to lease the city-owned rink for 10 years, has spent about $1.6 million on renovations, including a new chiller, fresh paint, new floors and improved restrooms and snack bar, and the Bridgeport-based company's investment seems to be paying off as skaters are again taking to the ice.

The new managers also have scheduled extended hours through Jan. 2 during the school holiday, and offer rentals, classes for beginners, stick time for hockey players and opportunities for advanced skaters to practice their freestyle skills.

We encourage everybody to get out and give the new rink a warm - make that chilly - reception.