Fellow Conservative,

We are ending 2020 with a Christmas and Hanukkah like no other. Many wonderful traditions are being set aside this year because of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in.

Personally, I will miss the big Christmas Eve dinner that I usually host for families from our church and our neighborhood. Years ago, as a mother of three small children, I remember even in normal times how hectic this time of year could be. After my children grew up, making Christmas Eve dinner for others was always a way that I could give back. It was a way for families to gather together for a traditional holiday dinner before going off to church services while allowing young mothers to come home to a clean house and not worry about cleaning up when there were gifts to wrap, toys to put together, and sleepy children to put bed.

Christmas just won’t be the same this year without seeing the sweet little girls in the
red and green velvet Christmas dresses and the cute little boys in their handsome bow ties.

Each of us has traditions we will miss. But this year causes us to really focus. To draw on memories past. And to look ahead to better times. Rather than dwelling on what we don’t have this year, let us focus on what we do have—the blessings of our families, our close friends, and an amazing country that God’s grace will help us to preserve.

Things will be much smaller and quieter this holiday season, but that also gives us more opportunity to remember what truly matters most of all: the
everlasting hope for the world that was born in that manger in Bethlehem so long ago. Above all things, this is a time to celebrate the blessings of a God whose grace is bigger than any challenge we may have and whose love for us is more infinite than the stars in the sky.

I pray that you are blessed with a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a wonderful holiday season.

All the best,

Kay C. James
President, The Heritage Foundation

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