Celebrating Christmas in Siouxland, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, South Dakota

A holiday greeting inside a building at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve seen Sunday, Dec.5, 2021 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Christmas comes but once a year, every year, reminding folk the “reason for the season” as the clever phrase or jingle is oft used. Even in Siouxland the Christmas spirit emanates everywhere. And depending on one’s bent, happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other faith-based or not celebratory greetings are used.

And it’s not a bad thing to wish another person a joyous day or year. All people deserve kindness and respect although the world is filled with haters. Black and white, no shades of grey or reference to race, but just to good and evil. Life is filled with shades of grey but for one day it would be nice if folk were rise above the pettiness and loathing they may feel or desire to just let life be. And if people can, enjoy the day however and in whatever way it means to them. Some are more lucky than others in doing this, but a sense of peace is something everything should be entitled to.

Citing another oft used sentence: Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A holiday sign spreading the faith at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Sunday, Dec. 05, 2021 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)