Governor Huckabee's News Column - Christmas

Governor Huckabee's News Column
December 20, 2003
Subj: Christmas

Due to the December special session of the Legislature, it has been much busier than usual at the state Capitol this Christmas season. During the long, tough days of work on education reform, however, I've tried to keep a sense of perspective. Whether you're involved with a special legislative session or not, it's far too easy to become trapped in the harried holiday mindset. Rather than a celebration, we turn the Christmas season into day after day of stress and anxiety.

I hope all of you will take a deep breath and remember some things this week. I hope you'll remember the many ways God has blessed this nation and this state. I hope you'll remember the thousands of Arkansans who will spend this holiday season far from home while on military duty. Because tens of thousands of Americans are away from home, engaged in the war on terrorism, being close to home has taken on an added meaning. For a lot of Americans, being with family has become more important than ever. The religious aspects of the season also have an added significance. Christmas is a holiday that combines religious beliefs, family, home and tradition.

Because the economy has been slow for more than two years, a number of us have been forced to simplify our holiday plans. While I'm pleased to see the U.S. economy turning around, I view the recent trend toward simpler Christmas celebrations as a positive development. The Christmas seasons I've enjoyed the most were the ones when I focused on the true meaning of the day-a child born in a stable in Bethlehem who gave us everything and expects us to give much in return. Among the most special Christmas memories are those of watching the faces of children and grandchildren light up as they come into the room to open their gifts. But I hope we'll also do what we can to make life more pleasant for our fellow Arkansans. We all come in contact with people who need a smile, a hug, a kind word or an act of kindness. Try letting people know what you like about them rather than telling them about the traits that annoy you. Praise young people for their achievements rather than constantly reminding them of their failures. Compliment your co-workers for the efforts others in the office never notice. That stranger you see on the way to your car could use a smile rather than a nervous glance.

Looking back months from now, it will seem silly that you became so worked up searching for a parking spot at the mall. It will seem ridiculous that you lost sleep over what the menu at Christmas dinner should be. If will seem superfluous that you worried about having the right sheets on the bed in the guest room and the right towels displayed in the bathroom. Christmas should never be another of life's hassles we must endure. Decorating the tree shouldn't be viewed as work. It should be seen as a fun way to spend an evening with your family. Buying gifts shouldn't give you a headache. It should instead give you satisfaction that you're showing loved ones they're an important part of your life. Christmas cards shouldn't be considered an extra expense. They should be viewed as an annual way to keep in touch with friends across the country.

Don't forget that for every Christmas gift you bought, there was an Arkansas child needing a new coat. For every hour you spent in the mall, there was a senior citizen hoping someone would call on the phone or stop by for a visit. For every Christmas card you sent, there was a parent wishing he or she could provide a larger Christmas dinner for the children. We rely too much on our government to solve problems. The government can send out monthly checks, but it's not very good at offering love, compassion and companionship. That must come from people like you, who work through their churches and civic organizations. If I've learned one thing in more than seven years as governor, it's that our state's most pressing needs won't be solved by government.

That's not to say you shouldn't buy what you can afford. Our economic recovery depends in large part on your spending habits. But keep your perspective. Think about how those gifts you bought will be broken or discarded during the next decade. On the other hand, the gifts you give to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate will never be forgotten. One of the saddest bumper stickers I've ever read is the one that states, "He who has the most toys wins." I've never attended a funeral at which the speakers extolled the material accumulation of the deceased. Model this holiday season after the simple ones. Think about those Christmas afternoons spent playing with cousins. Thing back to the beautiful Christmas Eve church services you've attended. Light a chandle. Say a prayer. Hug a child. Drop some money in a Salvation Army bucket. Send a note to someone you know in the armed services. Above all, remember those things that are truly important in life.

From the Huckabee family to yours, merry Christmas.