As I write this on Sunday afternoon, I am looking out the window at swirling snow and thinking we are going to enjoy a traditional White Christmas this year, despite global warming.

November and December are strong contenders for the month containing the most traditions, featuring Thanksgiving and Christmas. These two holidays incorporate so many of the traditions that have helped define our nation.

Family gatherings, for instance: I am delighted that this year both of my sons will be home for Christmas. They will have a real, fragrant Christmas tree to enjoy, plus home cooking and the companionship of their parents and friends.

When I was in the military I spent many holiday seasons away from home and that made the few occasions when I could return to Maine a true delight. Having a permanent place to call home, no matter how far away and in what dire situations you may find yourself, is a true blessing. I remember well what it is like to be in distant, difficult and sometimes hostile surroundings on a day which otherwise can so often can be filled with love and companionship.

To all of the young men and women of the armed services - and their loved ones - I send my most heartfelt thanks for your courage and devotion and your willingness to sacrifice for the welfare of us all. God bless you.

Our military has its own traditions and many of them are based upon past incidences of bravery, devotion and strength both physical and mental. Lt. Col. Oliver North's marvelous book, "American Heroes (In the Fight Against Radical Islam)", paints an enlightening portrait of just how special our troops are and what a magnificent job they have done in the Middle East.

I am so very thankful for my blessings of home and family, for the opportunity to live in America and enjoy the many rights and privileges that our country provides and to be free to take advantage of chances to make a good living. I have lived in other places in the world where creature comforts such as electricity on demand, clean water supplies, safe and comfortable housing are sparse and for many not available at all. And for many, there is no work available at all, let alone any opportunity for a better job .

And I have seen places where freedom as we Americans know it is only a dream and one that is strongly suppressed.

Many of our traditions have roots in other cultures, the United States being the "melting pot" that it is. And yet, for such a comparatively young country, we have developed our own unique traditions that have contributed to forming our strengths as a nation.

During this holiday season I hope that we take time to honor those traditions that remind us to help others less fortunate, to remember and cherish old friendships and to nurture new ones, to honor the beliefs that espouse faith, hope and charity and to regard the passing of each year as an new opportunity to make the choices that will improve our lives.

I hope that all of you will have joyous family gatherings that will provide a strengthening of the bonds of love and commitment.

And may I indulge in an appropriate tradition for this time of year: Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year to all.

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