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  Grand President's Addressby Jim Jones 
Buon Natale!!
During Christmas time, one readily observable difference between Italy and the United States is the lack of commercialism that threatens to swallow up and completely secularize the holiday. For instance, instead of writing letters to Santa Claus asking for presents (or, in the digital age, emailing Santa Claus,) Italian children write letters to tell their parents how much they love them. The letter is placed under their father's plate and read after Christmas Eve dinner has been finished. What a wonderful tradition!! When was the last time you picked up the phone, called a friend or relative to simply say, "I was thinking about you and decided to give you a call? In the Jones household, this is a special time of year. We have been collecting Christmas tree ornaments for many years and our tree is filled with glass blown ornaments that are mostly Disney. Can you believe that? I love this time of the year. What makes it special for me are the decorations, the music, singing at Convalescent Homes, Retirement Communities and for the Holy Name Sisters, retired Jesuit Priests, Carmelite Sisters and Brothers in the San Jose area. Many of the members in our District decorate a special Italian Catholic Federation Christmas tree with Mother Cabrini ornaments at "Christmas in the Park" in downtown San Jose. Christmas doesn't have to be all commercialism. What matters most at Christmas time is our relationships with family and friends. The Christmas season is an opportunity to give from our hearts. Celebrate Christmas!! Let the joy of this season show in your life. Celebrate the significance of Jesus' birth and make your Christmas traditions meaningful in your home. Remember that the Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to share Christ's love. He is the reason for the season. Janice and I pray that you have a wonderful holiday and a truly Merry Christmas. Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE |