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December 22, 2006. Growing up in a diplomatic family, we celebrated Christmas in many lands – from Saudi Arabia to Ceylon, from Lebanon to Laos. What was important was not whether we had a fresh Christmas tree, or whether it was snowing…. What was important was that the family was together.
Today, bringing family together is what matters most to me about Christmas. Two of my sisters and my niece will travel to Frankfurt next week to join me for my first Christmas in Germany. We will visit a Weihnachtsmarkt, attend church services on Christmas Eve, and open our Christmas stockings early on Christmas morning before proceeding to the presents under the Christmas tree. Santa Claus still comes to our house, no matter how grown up we are! Every year I have a family Christmas party and this year is no exception. We’ve invited many of our new friends here in Frankfurt and their families to our house to enjoy Christmas cookies, cakes, and other sweets. Along with celebrating with our friends here, we remember to stay in touch with our friends and family at home in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. With Christmas cards and packages, we send them our love and best wishes at the holiday season.
In the Consulate, we collect toys for children and gifts to fill the Christmas stockings of our Marine Security Guards. So in these many ways, with family and friends and colleagues in the Consulate, we celebrate the season.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU!
FAZ, Dec 22, 2006
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