Christmas Message From
The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC
Lieutenant Governor Of British Columbia
Happy Holidays to all British Columbians
Another year has passed us by and the holiday season is upon us. As a province made up of people of all faiths and beliefs, many different traditions are celebrated this time of year. However, the common thread for all of these celebrations is the coming together of family and friends to share in the magic of the season.
Christmas is my favourite time of the year. When I was younger, Christmas for me was a time to go to midnight mass, to open one present on Christmas Eve and then wait for the big turkey dinner with all my family the next day. One of my fondest memories is of eating Cornflakes on Christmas morning because my mother used them in the stuffing. How I miss those special days!
The holidays are also special because it is a time to give to others. I know the season has become much commercialized, but the spirit of giving has still persisted. Children look forward to opening gifts and we all get excited watching them do so. More importantly however, in this process of receiving we are teaching them how to give. There are so many in the world who are less fortunate, who will need some generosity and kindness in their stocking. Gwen and I have started our own Christmas tradition of making hampers full of food for families in need. What a gift it is to see the faces of those we are able to help.
To kick-off 2008, I invite everyone to join me here at Government House in Victoria for the annual New Year’s Day Levee. On January 1st, from 10am – noon, the doors to Government House will be open and the public are invited in for a holiday refreshment and to enjoy the music of Victoria’s Naden Band and the Band of the Canadian Scottish Regiment.
As the representative of Her Majesty The Queen in British Columbia, I extend my warmest wishes to all of the citizens of this province for a safe and happy holiday season!
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