When you hear the bell ringing, you know it is Christmas morning. At least that’s the way it is in the Noem house. When my kids, Kassidy, Kennedy and Booker, hear me ringing the special bell outside their bedrooms on Christmas morning they know it’s time to get up and start enjoying the special day. (I’m scared to think about how early they might get up if it weren’t for the bell.) Every family, or group of friends, has holiday traditions that make this time of year so special.
On Christmas Eve, every year, we go to the home of my husband Bryon’s aunt with most of his family for oyster stew, then to church. The next morning starts with the bell ringing, then gifts and breakfast. The afternoon is usually spent with my family having fun outside on snowmobiles and sleds.
Every year I’m reminded of how blessed we are to have so much of our family around us for the holiday season. For me, celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, with our dearest loved ones is the best gift imaginable.
From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and hope you have the chance to spend this special season with your family and friends.
Rep. Kristi Noem is South Dakota’s lone U.S. Representative, elected in November 2010. She serves on the Agriculture, Education and Workforce and Natural Resources Committees.
TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Kristi Noem, Congresswoman for South Dakota Washington, D.C. 226 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2801 Fax: (202) 225-5823
