[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it's the most wonderful time of the 
year. Next week, Americans throughout the fruited plain will come 
together and pause from the bustle of their everyday lives to celebrate 
Christmas with the ones they love. To Christians, Christmas is the day 
to honor the birth of Jesus. The word ``Christmas'' actually comes from 
the words ``Cristes Maesse,'' which literally translates to Christ's 
Mass. The word ``holiday'' derives its meaning from the words ``Holy 
Day''. It also means Grandma's apple pie, Christmas carols, wreaths, 
cookies, Santa, presents, ornate Christmas trees and other rich 
traditions that symbolize December 25th.
  In the midst of the holiday cheer, we should never forget that some 
families will have an empty chair at their Christmas dinner this year. 
For some homes, the empty chair represents a loved one who is serving 
overseas. For others, the chair is a somber reminder of the warrior who 
served but never returned. As you celebrate the season within the 
warmth of your home, think of the families without a full house and the 
sacrifices they make not just at Christmas time but the other 364 days 
of the year as well. These families bear the burdens of war, and these 
burdens weigh heaviest during this time of year.
  War at Christmas is not new, and this year will be no exception for 
those who are still on call serving America. But there is a special way 
to connect with our troops throughout the world. Each year in Southeast 
Texas, children and businesses in the community come together and 
volunteer to make handmade cards for our troops who won't be home for 
Christmas. It began when my office gathered dozens of cards for me to 
bring in my suitcase to visit NATO troops overseas. Then we teamed up 
with Operation Interdependence and the Red Cross to collect 6,000 
cards. And every year since it has grown. This year a record-shattering 
69,000 handmade cards from the community are on their way overseas. The 
cards come from all walks of life in the community from the third 
grader to the local business employee. Each card is different but their 
message is the same: Thank you. Texans are especially grateful during 
this time of year for that soldier, that warrior, that sailor, that 
airman who can't be with their families because they're representing 
the United States in lands far, far away. There is something about a 
warrior from the United States opening up a handmade Christmas card 
from some kid in the United States. At that moment, the darkness of war 
seems to disappear because of the brightness of a child.
  No matter what is going on in the rest of the world, the Christmas 
spirit of good will and generosity is alive and well in America. Random 
acts of kindness are seen throughout the nation whether it is a 
handmade holiday card, a charitable donation to a stranger to ensure 
that families get to eat a Christmas dinner or a toy drive for children 
who may not otherwise get to experience the joy of giving and 
receiving. Christmas really does bring out the best in America.
  So next week pause. Eat Grandma's cookies, sing Christmas carols, 
open presents and enjoy your loved ones. Think of those who have an 
empty seat at the table this year because their husband, wife, son, 
daughter, mother or father is serving our country in lands far far 
away. And don't forget the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus 
that occurred over 2,000 years ago. Wish your neighbor a Merry 
Christmas, and be thankful that you live in a nation where you can.
  And that's just the way it is.

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