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Executive Director's Message

Holiday season brings traditions, chance to do good

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Holiday season brings traditions, chance to do good

Ah, the holiday season. It doesn't get any better than the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's.  The music and lights, food and fun, family and friends. Perhaps the best part, however, is the mindset in which the holidays put people.

Thanksgiving is a nice relaxing day, but I think the season doesn't really kick off until the day after. I'm definitely not the first in line, but it's fun to go shopping and see the crowds.

And then there's the lights that begin to shine around this time. There is something about Christmas lights (or shall we call them holiday lights?) that just makes me happy. Sometimes there's nothing better than driving around looking at the lights on peoples' homes and singing along to some favorite holiday tunes.

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, a period of celebrations follows and seems never-ending until the first of the year. The parties are great, although no eggnog please; it may be the most disgusting drink ever invented.

Then, for all of you fellow Christmas celebrators out there, comes the really fun part. There is an endless supply of holiday movies to watch in those few short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm a fan of "Love Actually," but I love the end of "Meet Me in St. Louis." Radio stations start playing every version of every Christmas song ever recorded, even the really awful ones. I love country music, but if I'm being honest, country versions of Christmas songs are usually less than stellar.

Christmas trees light up the windows of houses, and the smell of pine, fire and cookies is always somewhere to be smelled. And of course, it all culminates with Christmas itself, a day to give and receive gifts, to spend with those you care about. It's a simply wonderful time.

Another thing that's great about the holidays is the traditions. It doesn't matter how silly, it's always fun to do the same thing year after year. Maybe it's just because I'm a creature of habit, but it's strangely comforting.

But no matter what holiday you celebrate, there's a common feeling about these last few weeks of the year. It's not about what religion you are. It's about being with those you love. It's about doing good and helping others out. It's about forgiving and forgetting all of the petty reasons you were at odds with someone. It's about telling the people you care about that you care about them.
It's about giving and expecting nothing in return.

By Kate DeWeese