We decided to combine some festive holiday shots with some memorable quotes from folks around the tri-state area. Christmas means a lot of things to different people—especially in times like these. So much has happened in this country since last December 25th. It stands to reason that the coming year will bring about even more change. There was a lot to reflect upon, for sure. And there is a lot to look forward to.
My brother came home from Iraq this month; he’s been over there for three years. I can’t begin to express how special this Christmas is going to be for me and my family. He surprised my mother and dressed up as a flower delivery guy at her job. When she looked up and recognized who it was, she just started crying, and jumped into his arms. We were all there. It was a moment of a lifetime. — Beth, 29, Frederick, MD.
Christmas for me represents one of the most beautiful times of the year. I find myself touched by everything around me: the stores, the music, the restaurants, the shows on TV, even the smells. There’s even something enchanting about the air at night around Christmas. The festivity—all of it—I just love it, and have my whole life. — Paul, 61, Winchester, VA.
For the last ten years, my wife and I have visited our kids in San Diego for Christmas. It’s been a great break from the cold, but even after ten years, it still doesn’t quite feel the same. I was raised in Maryland and I know I’m biased, but an East Coast Christmas always feels best to me. Well, this year, the kids called us up one day and said, how would you and Mom like it if we all came home for Christmas. Well, I have to admit, when I got off the phone, there were a lot of tears that day—tears of joy, you know. My wife and I have been getting ready for this since that day. There are twenty-two people coming altogether. I’ve been waiting for this for a long, long time. — Sam, 59, Frederick, MD.
I’m a chef, so I always do most of the cooking for our holiday meals. But it ends up being the best part, because everyone ends up sitting all around the kitchen and just having a great time. There’s been years where we don’t ever even make it to the dining room. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who simply love to be around one another. There are a lot of people out there who aren’t as fortunate; this reminds me to be very thankful. — Julia, 33, Berkeley Springs, WV.
I love Christmas because it snows, and everybody’s happy, and we have a parade at school, and cake. — Kate, 7, Martinsburg, WV.
I think the holidays are special to everyone for so many reasons. I know for me, it’s a time to look back on the year, as well as consider what the next year will bring. It’s a nice segue. And it brings people together. We need more of that these days. — Andrew, 40, Hagerstown, MD.
I love Christmas for the kids. We have two little ones who are now four and six—just about the perfect Christmas age. It’s like reliving it all over again. Tonight, Christmas Eve, will be the best. We drive around and look at lights, and then the radio says that Santa was spotted somewhere out West. They get so excited—it’s the best thing ever. — Michelle, 28, Harpers Ferry, WV.
— We wish you a wonderful holiday season, and a healthy, happy year to come. All the best — YEP.
