The Christmas celebration may be a little more subdued this year, due to many concerns impacting our usual joy of the season.
There’s widespread uncertainty about public safety. Recent active shooter incidents and large public protests increase our desire to stay at home. Also, inflation will likely cause a reduction in Christmas gift purchases.
We should focus, then, on what truly matters for an enjoyable holiday. Visiting outdoor displays, viewing holiday performances and attending religious services will increase your joy of the holiday. Gather with family members to exchange gifts and, if possible, dine together.
If possible, assist those in need and remember all who are no longer present in our lives.
Then the holiday spirit of “Peace on Earth” may be present in all our lives.
Bob Sweeney, Warwick, R.I.
The power of togetherness
Christmas Day holds religious and cultural significance for many. It’s a time to celebrate the joy, love and peace of the season.
Whether it’s through giving to others, sharing a festive meal or spending time with loved ones, Christmas is a reminder of the power of togetherness and the spirit of giving.
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.
Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach
To better enjoy the holidays with family and friends, which I believe is in sync with his pledge of making America greater than ever, President Trump signed an executive order giving federal employees both Christmas Eve day and Dec. 26 off from work.
Since he’s in such a festive mood, I would like to bring to his attention another holiday issue that needs to be addressed. It’s the day after the Super Bowl, often called “Super Sick Monday.” It’s one of the most inefficient work days of the year.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady recently said that the day after the big game should be a holiday to let people better enjoy this mid-winter sporting event that unites people of all political stripes. As Trump wrote in his brilliant 1987 autobiography, “The Art of the Deal,” “often times, the simplest approach is the most effective.”
The easiest way to achieve this objective is for the president to sign an executive order making President’s Day a floating holiday that automatically follows the date of the Super Bowl. And if Tom Brady likes the idea, how bad can it be?
Freddie Dunn, Glen Burnie, Md.
Remember those we lost
This is supposed to be a festive time of the year.
College students finishing final exams before their winter break and looking forward to going home to be with family and friends. Jewish families celebrating the happy, festive holiday of Hanukkah.
But students and families at Brown University in Providence, R.I., will never be the same as two students died and many more were injured. Then, during a Jewish celebration of Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia, 11 people were killed in gun violence.
When will it end? May their memories be a blessing.
Barbara Morris, Boca Raton
End the impasse
Citizen alert: Health care is a humanitarian right and it’s the responsibility of our elected officials. Please tell your representative in D.C. to fix this impasse. We must wake up!
Harriet Mathis, Fort Lauderdale
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