This month, Iowans across the state will come together and celebrate the holiday season. The holiday season in Iowa is something that warms the heart even as the temperatures drop. From festive town squares and main street parades to midnight mass, I am grateful to celebrate the holidays in southeastern Iowa.
This holiday season, I am especially looking forward to spending time with my husband and our two children. While we are together, I am excited to participate in typical holiday traditions like decorating our tree, driving around to see houses and farms aglow with Christmas lights, enjoying holiday meals as a family and our own unique activity of baking and bringing cinnamon rolls to friends, police, firefighters and healthcare workers.
I want to suggest everyone to take advantage of the many holiday events happening across southeastern Iowa this December. Activities such as DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas, the Quad Cities Clarinet Christmas in Davenport, and Holiday Nights ‘N Lights in Ottumwa are just some of the unique local events that your family can enjoy while supporting your local community. Buying local is equally important.
I also want to encourage you to volunteer your time or gifts to local charities. Volunteering at your local soup kitchen or food bank or donating toys to organizations like Toys for Tots are great ways to make the holidays special for everyone. Additionally, many churches allow you to “adopt a kid” for the holiday season and purchase gifts for children in need.
Lastly, our men and women in uniform should be in our thoughts this holiday season while they are away from their loved ones. Recently, I participated in the Red Cross Holiday for Heroes, which was created to send cards to our servicemembers overseas during the holiday season. If you would like to participate in this program, you should contact your local Red Cross to see how you can get involved.
This December, I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season with their loved ones and a happy and healthy New Year!
