KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner’s Christmas Memories
I grew up with a Pentecostal evangelist father and a missionary mom, so many of my Christmas memories are about church and the season’s real meaning. I’m the oldest of five children and we all participated in the Church Christmas program and had to memorize our lines. After the program, we would get our gift from the church. It was always a bag of fresh fruit, nuts, and maybe a small gift like a Hot Wheel.
At home, Dad would read us the Christmas story from the Bible and reinforce the reason for the season. We’d be so excited about our gifts and could hardly sleep. Christmas was a special day for us, unwrapping our gifts and playing outside with friends. Those days went by so fast.
Admiral Windwagon Smith Kaye Monk Morgan Holiday Memories
My favorite Christmas memories are of time with family, usually around food.
Our traditional meal, brought together by multiple generations, is plentiful and a reminder of our myriad blessings and the abundance provided by our God.
Jokes, full tummies, and love are served, with multiple helpings available. Naps typically follow a passionate game of UNO, where feelings are hurt and bragging rights are won.
County Executive Frank White’s Holiday Reflections
I have always loved Christmas and as a child, I remember wishing for snow every holiday. The excitement of the season grew among my siblings and me on Christmas Eve. I always had trouble sleeping that night in anticipation of the morning. In our house, the first sibling to wake up was responsible for waking the others. Then we’d decide who would wake our parents to start opening gifts. As an adult, that tradition carried on with my children, always remembering this is a time to celebrate Christ’s birth, share love and appreciation with family and friends, and embrace the spirit of giving.