Merry Christmas!
By Governor Kristi Noem
When this time of year rolls around, I’m always surprised, somehow. It’s not as if I didn’t know it was coming. It just seems like the years go a bit too fast these days and, all of a sudden, Christmas is here once again.
There’s no doubt people are starting to prepare for the holidays earlier. More and more we find ourselves rushing through the days and never really stopping to enjoy what is going on around us. I have to remind myself that this is a time to slow down, spend time with family and friends, reflect on the Reason for our celebration, and remember all that we are thankful for.
For my family, we often do this around table games. Recently, our go-to has been Yahtzee. Who would have thought that five dice could bring so much entertainment? I have no idea how Bryon does it…. It’s amazing how many times that man can get a large straight!
Whatever it is that brings your family together, I hope you remember this: Christmas is special. It is about being thankful for what we have and the country we are blessed to live in… A country that is secured by our heroes who may not get to be home with their families this season. Christmas is about peace – disconnecting from your daily chaos to prioritize the people who are dearest to you. And most importantly, Christmas is about celebrating the story of Jesus – our invitation for a reunion with God.
This Christmas season, hold the people you love tightly. Reflect on the year gone by and the areas you’ve grown. Give thanks regardless of your circumstance. Set goals for the new year. And maybe play some Yahtzee too.
Merry Christmas!
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