Merry Christmas, District 1! Although 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, the holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate in-person or virtually with family and friends. 

For those in the military, first responders, or essential workers and are unable to be with family and friends during this season, thank you for your service. This year, we have had the opportunity to gain a better appreciation of our essential workers, and we are thankful for your work.

There are those in Southeast Nebraska that are spending the holiday with an empty seat at their table, mourning the loss of a loved one. Our hearts go out to those that are struggling during this time. Last weekend, our state participated in a Weekend of Remembrance and Honor for Nebraskans lost to COVID-19. You can still visit a virtual memorial wall at www.neimpact.org to pay homage to loved ones that have been lost.  

The difficulties of this year might make it challenging to have holiday cheer, but there is still reason for celebration. We all have drawn closer to one another with the trials of 2020, and learned about ourselves in the process. When we have not been able to be together physically, we have found creative ways to interact over the phone or through video chats and social media. The true joy of Christmastime has never been the gifts around the tree, but rather, something far more valuable.  

“…[D]o not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:10-14).

Merry Christmas, District 1.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.