T’is the Season to be Happy! No matter who you are or what part of our United States of America you hail from, the Winter Holiday of Christmas (aka Noel, Yuletide, Navidad, Wesolych, Rizdvo or Nollaig) is celebrated by all.

Giving gifts, sweet desserts, decorating our homes with lights, evergreens; especially the Tree, and many more wonderful family traditions are practiced. Family members make the trip to be together and share in the celebration of their heritage with stories; funny and sad. Everyone gathers for their personal religious ceremonies, oh, so many events that make us who we are, a blended people in America. The time to count our blessings.

As I make my heritage (Czech, Ukrainian, Austrian, Hungarian, and yes Irish) cookies this year I take pause, thinking of all my neighbors who are finding the cost of basic food items too expensive; let alone extras for cookies! How did this happen? How did the promise of “America, land of plenty, for All” forfeit happiness of the simple joy of Christmas…for All?

In 2025, I have been privileged to take part in food drives for my neighbors here in Alcona County. Each time I found myself reduced to tears by the generosity of all who contributed and of how they wished they could give MORE! Alcona County is among the poorest in Michigan. This includes, most unfortunately, children. The current Administration is flummoxed that children in America, “Land of Opportunity”, are going to bed hungry; because, well…they have plenty.

What happened to the ‘Promise’ for all people? We the People need affordable food, Health Care, Jobs, Schools and homes. We the People are the foundation of America, not the Billionaires, Corporations or foreign autocratic countries! We the People don’t need a faux Russian Ball Room….we need affordable food.

Margaret Kutzera

Harrisville