An Ozarks Christmas

The holidays are a special time in southern Missouri, and nothing makes me happier than Christmas in the Ozarks. One of our favorite things to do as a family is drive around the different communities and see the beautiful holiday decorations. The manger scenes, Christmas lights and inflatable Santas all make our communities brighter during the holidays. Of course, a highlight of any Ozark Christmas is a trip to Branson to see the decorations. We especially enjoy the Old Time Christmas celebration at Silver Dollar City. Our visit this year was just a little more special since I’ll represent Taney County in the Missouri Senate beginning in 2023.

The Eslinger family gathers together for holiday celebrations throughout the year, but there’s just something special about Christmas. Between preparing Christmas goodies to give out to the community and cookie decorating, we always enjoy each other’s company. At Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the blessings of the past year, but Christmas and New Year is a time of celebration and looking forward to the future. Of course, we hold fast to the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ and the good news he would bring, always mindful of God’s greatest gift to mankind.

Another holiday tradition in the Eslinger home is watching holiday movies together. We especially enjoy the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” While this classic came out in 1946, its message still rings true today. Family and community are the greatest treasures one could ever have, and no place is that more true than in the Ozarks. In the movie, George Bailey is told, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives.” This Christmas, I hope you’ll take that quote to heart and remember the impact that each and every one of us has on the people around us.

I’ll get back to discussing legislative issues in future updates but, for now, I wish each and every one of you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

It is my honor to serve the residents of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Ripley, Texas, Webster and Wright counties in the Missouri Senate, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from friends and family back home. If I can help you in any way, please call my Capitol Office at 573-751-1882, or my District Office at 417-596-9011.  You can also visit my webpage at www.senate.mo.gov/mem33, on Facebook: @SenatorKarlaEslinger, or follow me on Twitter: @seneslingermo.