The following is a column by Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson:

The winter season is always a time for reflection. Perhaps it’s the ice that covers the trees or the snow blanketing the fields that leaves us with the feeling that just for a moment, time itself has frozen. This moment of pause gives us a chance to look back on all the good times – and the tough times over the past year – and count our blessings. We are celebrating the holidays amid an economic downturn that has affected many Americans and a number of our fellow Kansans. Families everywhere are struggling. Yet the holiday spirit endures. The Marines are collecting Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army is ringing its bells, food pantries are open and families are gathering to light a Menorah or decorate the tree. School children – eager for the break – turn their thoughts to sleds and snowballs, cocoa and carols. Families find each other, over the phone or through the internet – because at this time of year there is no distance too great that we cannot reach across it to send a message of love and support. We are an optimistic people. We know that the fields will thaw; the ice will melt; and the harvest will come again. We know that there is a brighter day just over the horizon. We welcome the New Year, ready to work at strengthening our economy; help our neighbors find new jobs; and build a more prosperous Kansas for all of us. To all Kansans near and far, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and may peace and joy be yours this season.