I am darn proud of the people I am surrounded by in the Platte Valley this Christmas.
Largely because of my duties with the Saratoga Sun, I have become more aware of the amount of giving and holiday spirit in the Valley than I was during my first two Christmas’ here.
My family has a tradition, started by my sister-in-law, of the adults giving to each other’s charities of choice instead of piling gifts on each other. The children are exempt from this and are generally spoiled which ensures the family Christmas tree is not lacking for presents underneath it. As adults, we have decided that we are fortunate enough to be able to get ourselves and our families anything we really need and that money spent at Christmas-time is better spent to help those either less fortunate or to support causes such as a cure for ovarian cancer. Both of my sisters-in-law are ovarian cancer survivors.
Around the Valley, my heart has been warmed through charitable causes like the Giving Tree sponsored by the Valley Services Organization, the Helping Hands annual Thanksgiving Dinner, the Festival of Trees put on by the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce and most recently seeing the Saratoga Elementary kid’s Christmas cards to a dying girl in Utah. I say kudos to you Platte Valley for the time and effort to give to others, especially those less fortunate during this holiday season.
I have also been able to enjoy several Christmas arts events, which have helped keep me humming Christmas songs for days on end. Thank you to all of those brave enough to sing and play in choirs and bands in Encampment and Saratoga.
So far I have been able to enjoy the Encampment school band and choir, the Saratoga community choir and the Saratoga Honor Society caroling at Deseret Health and Rehab. As a musician I have a great deal of respect for anyone willing to perform in public and share their gifts openly.
I hope those of you who can afford to do so think about donating time, money or gifts to the cause of your choice. Maybe it’s the socialist in me, but I think our world can be a better place if we give a little help where we can. I don’t know of a major religion that doesn’t preach this principle.
In parting, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Heri za Kwanzaa or whatever observance your family makes or does not make at the end of this year. Here is to a bright and fruitful new year to all.
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