A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
One of the questions that dominates public discourse today is the meaning of Christmas. I’m sure many of you reading this now have gotten in a fight or two with a friend or loved one about what specifically the purpose of this time of year is. Whether it’s just a cap-off to the year or it’s a season that started with charity and became run down by commercialism, most people have a different answer from one another. I just wanted to take a moment and share what makes the season so special for me. Family and friendship are intrinsically tied into the season for me. For work, I get to travel our Assembly District across Orange County and Rockland County and celebrate tree lightings, Santa photoshoots, charity deliveries and fundraisers for those in need. At these functions, I see friends that I’ve worked with for years and get a chance to catch up with them during great community events, no matter how cold it is outside. I spend just a brief moment at every site so I can make sure I visit with as many people as possible, but it makes all the difference. It helps remind me that all across the land we call home, there are hardworking people keeping the spirit of camaraderie and cheerfulness going for their neighbors, friends and family, and it’s an incredibly heartwarming thing to see. Family is just as important this season. My family is beginning to move on and build their own lives, but we still make time for each other during the season, even if it’s just for a Facetime call. My family also includes the many dear friends I’ve made during my time in government across the state and, indeed, across the nation. We send each other Christmas cards, and more locally we take time to grab food and drink and enjoy each other’s company. Company is truly what defines the season for me, maybe because company by necessity keeps us warm during cold seasons, but also because I just love the chance to engage with people. And I have a true affinity for my friends and family. I think it’s easy today for anyone to become discouraged or dejected in response to the world around them. Practical truths and harsh realities can callous a person’s heart and by extension leave people nihilistic and hopeless. I think that’s why having this season at the end of the year is so important. More than New Year’s, Christmas and the other December holidays are an opportunity to collect ourselves, review the past year and, in turn, dedicate a bit of ourselves to others, unconditionally, for a change. If nothing else, I hope this season offers you the chance to take stock of what you love. You never know how much longer you’ve got it. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.
