Merry Christmas from Lily!

My First Christmas in America 

In 1982, while I was a sophomore studying law in China, my university organized a winter party with college girls dressed in People's Liberation Army uniforms to sing and dance. But this time, something new happened.  "Santa" dropped by in his red suit bearing gifts. While Christmas songs were playing in the background, he went around saying, in Mandarin of course, "HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS!" and gave out gifts to random members of the audience and participants.

While I did not get any gifts, I sat amazed with my eyes wide open (see the picture below, I am at the bottom, showing only my eyes looking back). Free presents without any expectations attached? This was very strange indeed, because in China gift-giving is a reciprocal practice.  



Although it made me wish Santa had come when I was a hungry and toyless child during Mao’s Cultural Revolution. I also wanted Santa to come to our campus every Christmas and hoped I would get just one gift when he came next time. 

Santa's happy, warm voice, bright red outfit, and generosity touched my heart like raindrops on the desert. Since that first introduction to a Western Christmas, I never forget my first encounter with “Santa Clause.” I have since always had warm feelings about Christmas.

Later, I celebrated my first Christmas after leaving China in Austin, TX, in 1988. John- my future husband- and I were dating in graduate school. His parents invited me to join their family for the holidays, and for the first time, I received my Christmas gifts: a stocking and a huge Texas-sized lodge shirt from John’s mom. We had dinner together, listened to Christmas songs, and watched the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” John’s entire family made me feel at home, and I learned a little bit more about Christmas as a holiday and appreciated the spirit of giving. 



Over the years, I have learned more about our country's founding, traditions, and values. I fully embraced American ideals: liberty, religious freedom, free enterprise, the rule of law, equal justice, and meritocracy. I had so many first times and unforgettable memories in America. I have always felt warmly welcomed by Americans from all walks of life, no matter where I lived: from Texas to Wyoming, Colorado to New Hampshire.

I am incredibly blessed by this great country and am running for the US House to save it.  

If elected, I will be honored to serve the people with gratitude and integrity, defend the US Constitution and our precious freedom, and give back to my fellow citizens and the country I love.
                    
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Merry Christmas,
Lily