By Mayor Mark Sheldon
No truer message was ever written than these from former President Calvin Coolidge, who was the first American president to issue a Christmas message to the American people from the White House. The short message was published on Christmas day in 1927 in every major newspaper in the country.
The 30th president of these United States went on to say that the real spirit of Christmas comes with an abundance of mercy and the ability to cherish peace and goodwill. “If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior, and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.”
What a simple, yet thought-provoking message, and still meaningful these 95 years later. As we reflect on Coolidge’s words, I am reminded of the importance of holiday traditions, passed down from our parents and grandparents, and which my wife and I continue today with our children. These traditions very often allow us to keep the Christmas state of mind.
Growing up in Coolidge country, our traditions always included watching holiday movies as a family, trimming the Christmas tree, and with a child’s wonderment, preparing for Santa’s arrival. This meant leaving food out for Santa’s reindeer and of course milk and cookies for St. Nick.
We continue these traditions in our household as we seek to teach our children the importance of remembering the past, but also the art of giving during the holidays and year round. Getting along with each other, being kind to each other, maintaining a sense of harmony in our lives, and showing gratitude, compassion, and mercy are values we try and live by.
With the pandemic behind us, we may be getting back to the business of living normal lives, but then comes inflation, high gas prices, rising interest rates, and many more challenges. But we do recognize we are not immune from these challenges or life’s difficulties.
During these times, we have clung to our families and our traditions more than ever. We have not forgotten the importance of family and friends, neighbors, and our community. We remember we live in a beautiful natural environment.
I hope that each of us will be able to enjoy these blessings over the Christmas season, and I hope that we can all be inspired to reach out to others, maybe someone who lives alone or is ill, maybe that neighbor who has recently suffered a loss, and invite them to be a part of our celebration and traditions.
Kindness is among the greatest gifts, to give and receive.
In the spirit of Christmas, I wish quiet moments for us all, so that we might be able to reflect and remember what is most important in life. May we all find reasons to be grateful and to feel joy. As we must remember, Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind.
From my family to yours, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.
