Have a Merry Christmas to All
The holidays are in full swing and the halls are decked with decorations befitting the season. This time of year is favorited by so many, and for good reason. The days are crisp, with the mornings carpeted with a glittery layer of frost. The nights beg for friends to gather around a campfire with mugs of cocoa and roasting marshmallows. Stores are in full-battle mode from open to close, with aisles and aisles of wares, gadgets, and the must-haves of the season. Cooks are busy as elves whipping up trays and tins of holiday goodies that are only seen once a year. Nearly everywhere you go, there are carols played and bells ringing, cues to all around that this is Christmas.
Christmas is a time of giving; we give gifts to those we love to show how much they mean to us. Giving does not have to be gifts that are bought, however. Your time is often the greatest gift you can give. Volunteering is a gift that has a surprising recipient: YOU! There is no feeling like the warmth of knowing that your selflessness helped make someone’s day brighter. There are food drives and toy drives throughout December. They are always needing volunteers. Keep in mind those that will be alone during the holidays. These few weeks are rather trying for many who have lost those they love, and a small gesture of kindness is often just the spark they need to keep going. Christmas cards to those overseas is always a wonderful act of giving (contact your Veterans Affair’s Office to see how you can accomplish this for next year!) Many send cards to those incarcerated as a witness of faith and gesture of kindness.
Finally, our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN disaster. There is never a good time to have a forest fire, but to have one weeks before Christmas in the heart of their financial center is devastating to those communities. There are several who have lost their lives in this event, hundreds who have been injured, and thousands who are now homeless. The list of those missing is most heartbreaking, as hope wanes for those loved ones looking for a miracle. The firefighters, police, deputies, and first responders have worked the front lines of this storm since it was first reported, and they have the gratitude of the nation for their efforts.
Kindness and generosity are gifts that we should share year round and don’t cost a dime. You never know the burden the person across from you is carrying, so be kind, always.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas from our family here at the Craighead County Sheriff's Office and Detention Center to yours.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Marty Boyd
Here is a list of the multicultural holidays celebrated in December:
Boxing Day, Christmas, Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, Saint Lucia Day, Saint Nicholas Day, Saturnalia, Three Kings Day, and Yule to name a few!!!
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