From the Mayor: My Holiday Message to You
Merry Christmas and happy Holidays to you all. This is the exciting time of year when families and friends will gather to share their stories of what transpired in their lives during the year. Travel plans will be made as we look forward to being with our loved ones, perhaps experiencing an unexpected but delightful “nouvelle cuisine” from a family chef. These are the moments that we eagerly await as the season unfolds which will yield those unforgettable lasting memories that we so cherish.
Yuletide Reminiscing
Growing up in an Italian household, the Christmas season transformed our house, especially the kitchen into a gaggle of assiduous activity. By now this whirlwind of frantic industry was an anticipated event every year. I had come to the conclusion that this was the new meaning of the “huddled masses.” Who organized all this chaotic exuberance anyway? But with this excitement and purpose the adults indeed had a game plan to prepare the feast, crack open the home made wine aging in the basement and continue to decorate the last available square inch of doors, walls and windows. In all this, the goal was to make that season more festive, glorious and memorable than the year before.
Sitting down for the meal was always a venerated ritual as grace was said (sometimes in Latin) before others spoke a few words of thanks and good health to the family. After a short period of time, our grandfather would always manage to sneak some of that red wine to us without any fanfare. I guess it made us feel like adults.
As we finally made our way to the well decorated tree, we scanned about to see which presents were mine as well as the others. It was always a special time for us if we received a new gift. It was common to get hand-me-downs of clothing, toys or a bicycle. In all these were the fond memories that stay with me today.
Holidays, 2022
This Holiday Season suggests that we reflect on this past year with gratitude with the great hope that next year will be far less challenging, restore our lives to pre-pandemic activity and bring prosperity to our aspirations once again.
Please think about those in our community who are alone and struggling to provide for their families. Although we may be facing an uncertain environment next year, our community spirit of resilience will again prevail. By sharing a gesture of kindness such as sharing a meal or consider an impromptu visit will easily turn a frown upside down.
Finally, say a prayer for all of our first responders, and those in uniform especially overseas, for their safekeeping. They need to know that they are not forgotten.
May your Christmas and Holiday celebration bring you warmth, happiness and an abundance of love.
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
Mayor John L. Madden