Staff Reports
December is here, and the holiday spirit is alive. It’s clear that Christmas is not just another date on the calendar but a powerful symbol of faith, family, and tradition. Just ask Calvin Coolidge, who kicked things off in 1923 with the first National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Trump, during his own tree-lighting event in 2019, took a moment to reflect on that night, when community centers lit up with worship and the Washington Monument showcased a radiant cross. It seems not everyone has forgotten the true roots of this holiday, as he emphasized the profound legacy of Christmas and its importance in a grateful nation.
Trump’s rendition of Christmas captured the essence of the holiday, reminding everyone that the season’s true joy is centered on the birth of Jesus Christ. He shared the timeless story of the Wise Men, who traveled from afar to bow before the Holy Family. The message was clear: the holidays are about love, generosity, and the light of God’s love shining through each person. This perspective is a breath of fresh air compared to the humdrum secular arguments that tend to dominate holiday conversations.
Then there’s Ronald Reagan’s 1987 Christmas message, which stands out as a nostalgic reminder of an era when American leaders weren’t afraid to intertwine faith and heritage in their speeches. He painted a vivid picture of Christmas through the eyes of a child while encouraging adults to embrace the spirit of giving that lies at the very heart of the season. Reagan eloquently reminded us that Christmas is about recognizing our shared humanity under the gracious canopy of God’s love. It’s the spirit of the season that makes it “the most wonderful time of the year”—a sentiment that seems lost in today’s increasingly cynical climate.
Inside the Beltway | Trump gave 2019 Christmas message while lighting National Christmas Treehttps://t.co/SBr4qfgJYl pic.twitter.com/SOv3nzspZH
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 24, 2024
Interestingly, a recent Marist College survey showed that a whopping 75% of Americans prefer to enjoy Christmas at home rather than travel. This preference spans political affiliations, with 78% of Republicans opting for family time over travel chaos. Turns out, whether you lean red or blue, the desire to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of one’s own home is a unifying factor. Perhaps, above all else, the holidays remind everyone of the importance of family, even in a divided political landscape.
Finally, for those looking to spruce up holiday gatherings, Mount Vernon has made a splash with historic cocktail recipes from George Washington’s era. Who knew that the Father of Our Country was also something of a founding mixologist? While some may see a conflict there, it’s a fun testament to the fact that good cheer is always in style—especially when the life and times of the first president are part of it. With recipes like Fish House Punch, it’s clear that Washington would have likely raised a toast to a holiday season that celebrates togetherness and history, even amid all the modern noise.
