Mayor emphasizes giving for the holidays
December 1, 2012 10:56PM
Updated: January 3, 2013 6:06AM
Hello, residents and friends of Naperville! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of 2012 and are in the midst of holiday festivities. Have you seen Naperville’s transformation into a winter wonderland lately? The little lights on the trees make our city very cozy and inviting to everyone who comes downtown. The jingling of bells and caroling by assorted groups makes this a time of joyous merriment. I believe it also brings out a new feeling of camaraderie in our community as people share greetings with others they may pass on the streets or see in stores.
This year especially, let’s all focus on making others happy by extending a cheery greeting and best wishes to everyone we see. You don’t have to spend a lot, because a smile is free! I also encourage people to take a little time to do something special for their relatives, friends and neighbors.
As we head into a time of year where family and friends are at the forefront of our mind, we need to take a moment to remember those who are serving our country, both here at home and on the battlefield overseas. There are many opportunities to take part in spreading cheer to those in the military by sending gifts and care packages, and from the many individuals I have talked to, they appreciate the thoughts and well-wishes. Military families also struggle with missing their loved ones who are serving far away. They too make sacrifices for us, so please keep them in your thoughts this season.
We are free because our military is working hard to keep the U.S. safe. It’s a time of strife for our country, and I believe it is a hard time to be in a position of leadership in our country. I hope our leaders will make wise decisions in the year ahead that lead to our cherished servicemen and women coming home and families being whole again.
On the home front, many families are struggling with the loss of a job and resulting difficulty in paying bills, serious illness and even personal tragedy. There may be some of us that can afford to give a little more so that children and others can celebrate the holiday season and see joy at this time of year. Please consider giving, if you can, to help keep families’ tummies full and a smile on our children’s faces.
I want to thank each and every one of our residents for pulling together during this last year to help others and give encouragement during a year of continued economic uncertainty. This is a time of reflection and also of looking ahead, and as I think of 2013, my main wish is that Naperville be known as a City of love, peace, understanding, cooperation, encouragement, and most of all, togetherness. I wish for peace in our city, in our state and in our great nation. Be it on a political level or a social level; remember that what we should do is focus on others, not ourselves, as we go about our day-to-day business. Please embrace one another, no matter what their background or circumstances.
None of us are perfect — I make a lot of mistakes — but I always make sure my heart is in the right place as I serve our city. In the new year, I look forward to serving all of you and working with our elected officials to make sound decisions. Each one of you is a special person with unique talents, abilities and contributions, and you play a huge role in making Naperville a very special place to be. I’d like to be the first to wish you and yours a safe, healthy and prosperous new year.
