By Sara Beth Gregory, 16th District Senator

The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year. During the month of December, we see beautiful holiday decorations throughout our communities and enjoy a sense of fellowship through events such as Christmas parades and church gatherings. I’ve been pleased to participate in parades and activities throughout the 16th Senatorial District this month, and have enjoyed seeing the spirit of the season on display.

This is also the time of year that we gather with family and friends to enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate the birth of Christ.

There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season, including a lot of opportunities to help others by volunteering your time or contributing to worthy causes.

You might also demonstrate the Christmas spirit by simply showing kindness to others during this special time of year.

However you choose to celebrate, I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas season and a happy New Year. I hope you enjoy some peaceful reflection along with the exciting and busy moments of the holidays.

Following the holidays, I will head to Frankfort to begin the next Regular Session of the General Assembly on January 7, 2014. This will be a sixty-day session, during which we will work to pass a new two-year budget for the state.

We will also see legislation filed relating to a wide range of other issues, such as education, healthcare, social issues, fighting illegal drugs, and many more.

Part of my preparation for the session has involved traveling throughout the district to meet with business people, farmers, teachers, seniors, and other constituents and community leaders to listen and be aware of their ideas and concerns.

This feedback is always helpful in doing my job as your Senator, and I will continue to seek your input as issues come up during the session.

As always, you may contact me by calling the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181 or my office at 502-564-8100. You may also contact me by email at sara.gregory@lrc.ky.gov.

To follow the work of the 2014 Regular Session more closely, you may visit the legislature’s website at www.lrc.ky.gov.