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Celebrating the season The season of peace and joy abounds around us. Even as I write this, I'm listening to Handel's Messiah in our riding office. I love everything about Christmas time. Like many people, some of my happiest childhood memories include Christmas mornings and family get-togethers centred around the holidays. While in university in the 1980s, I couldn't wait for the end of exams and the Christmas break-- maybe it was a little too much "poli sci," even for someone like me! I even proposed to my wife Lisa on a snowy, crisp and beautiful Christmas Eve in 1989, and we were married the following December 22-- it's always a good idea to remember your wedding anniversary! Lots of great memories of special times, and with each new year a chance to renew and begin again. And today, Christmas is the most special time of year for our family. Lisa teaches in the public school system, and she's involved in many volunteer activities in our community. Our three boys are all busy with their school studies (or at least, they TELL us they're busy with their school studies), their music lessons, minor sports, and just hanging out with their friends. And I'm very busy too, privileged to serve the people of Wellington-Halton Hills in Ontario Legislature. These days, our lives are a hectic whirlwind, so our time together is very precious. That makes Christmas all the more impor140 Guelph St., Georgetown (beside the Fruit Market) 7 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Ted Arnott tant at our house. And it's the same for most families these days. But for Christians, we also remember the reason for the season, and we celebrate the birth of Christ. His life provides a light of hope and an example for the world. We are all charged to reach out, lending a hand to those in need, not only at Christmas time, but year round. There are many organizations in our communities that embrace this mission. We thank them all. We all need to dig deep to help however we can. Only by showing that generosity of spirit do we experience the real joy of Christmas. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! And in January, let's continue to work together, building on the strengths of our communities, and make 2012 the best one yet. --Ted Arnott is the MPP for WellingtonHalton Hills and can be reached at 1-800265-2366. His website is www.tedarnottmpp.com · · · · 905-877-9541 WE MATCH PRICES! Experienced Staff Set Up & Delivery Home Consultation Service Calls We're your local full service home electronics dealer Summer Hours: Mon. - Wed. 10-6, Thurs 10-7, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5 Something for Every Budget This Season! A life without violence is the only life to live Healthy Relationships · Healthy Communities Halton Women's Place 905-878-8555 905-332-7892 Help Us Close The Door On Abuse www.haltonwomensplace.com Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season and happy new year. Thanks to all of our customers for such a successful year! Boucher & Sons Windows & Doors Ltd. R.R. 2, Conc. 8, GEORGETOWN 905-877-8830