“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight; we are happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland.”

The holiday season is upon us, and I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and happy New Year to everyone in Southwest Michigan. I hope you are all able to gather with family and friends, reflect on the year and look forward to a new year full of possibilities.

Indeed, the holiday season presents us all with a moment to spend quality time with loved ones and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.

I encourage all Southwest Michigan families to take the weight of the world off your shoulders and enjoy Michigan’s Winter Wonderland. Get outside and try sledding with the kids or building a snowman. These are memories that I cherish the most.

I am truly blessed to be able to gather this Christmas with my family, whose love and support give me strength. They are my rock, and the greatest gift I can ask for is for us to be together.

As we celebrate, my heart is drawn to those who cannot be with their families for Christmas.

The holidays are an especially hard time for those men and women who are serving America overseas.

Consider sending a letter or card to a serviceman or woman, thanking them for their sacrifice and wishing them a safe return home. It is a simple way to make their holiday a little brighter. Letters may be mailed to: Blue Star Mothers; P.O. Box 76; Stevensville, MI 49127.

We each have the ability to lift the spirits of those around us. Writing the troops is one way to do this; another way is by helping a remarkable organization: Toys for Tots.

If you are able, please join my family and me in making the season brighter for a child with a donation of an unwrapped toy at one of several locations throughout Southwest Michigan.

To quote another beloved Christmas song, “Through the years, we all will be together, if the fates allow. Hang a shining star upon the highest bough; and have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”

Merry Christmas everyone, and God Bless you all.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.