Not a Charlie Brown Christmas...

Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on December 14th, 2011.


Another one of the many surprises I have encountered since becoming a Member of Parliament is the sheer number of Christmas cards that I have received. I have started to decorate my ‘hill office with them and have to say that it has really warmed up the atmosphere.  Regardless of how one celebrates Christmas, the joy of spending time with your friends and family is a universal one and it is really heartening to see so many of my fellow Members of Parliament passing on well wishes with pictures of their loved one’s that often include the family pet.   Some cards that really stood out to me were from MP Peter Stoffer who posed with the Salvation Army and served to remind us of the importance to give to others who are less fortunate, and also to my colleague in caucus Hon. Steven Blaney  who reminded us all of the many brave men and women who are serving our country overseas and cannot be home for the holiday’s to spend time with their families.  If I had to pick a favourite, it would probably be from my colleague, Dr. Kellie Leitch. Not only is it a nice card with a picture of her alongside her young nephew and niece, it came complete with Christmas goodies and that brightened my day!

Life in Ottawa can sometimes be cold and lonely being so far from home, however I would like to really thank all of those who passed on such warm wishes that serve as a reminder of fellowship and the importance of the work we do on behalf of Canadian families.