We Dare Wish You a Merry Christmas

Elizabeth Cummings, NC - Editor-in-Chief 

During Christmas time each year, a viral clip of then Senator Kamala Harris expressing outrage at Americans celebrating what is the most sacred Christian holiday resurfaces. “How dare we speak Merry Christmas?” Harris screams to a crowd gathered to protest the closing of the border, 

“How dare we?”  

But for most Americans, especially the George Washington College Republicans, we not only dare to “speak Merry Christmas,” but we also cherish and value the traditions and joyful memories we celebrate each year as we gather to remember the birth of Jesus. 

Executive Director of GW College Republicans Christiana Charis says that her “family holds a lot of traditions, we even have a family song.” But her favorite tradition is one that reminds her of the true meaning of Christmas, beyond all the decorations and gifts,  the birth of Jesus Christ. 

“We have a Birthday Cake for Jesus and we place a candle on the cake for every person who is with us, and even family members who have passed…and a candle for each person represents that he died for each one of us,” Carris explained. She says that she knows this special tradition is one she will continue to pass down someday. 

When asked about their favorite Christmas tradition, many other members of the club highlighted the beauty in simply spending precious time with family, especially while decorating for the holiday. 

“My favorite Christmas tradition is 'unboxing' and decorating the Christmas tree my family has used since 1997,” said Russell Keske, the Director of Public Relations. Writer Ben Tumulty also said that he especially enjoys being able to “help [his] grandparents put up and decorate their tree.”

Writer Peri Stevens, said that her favorite Christmas tradition has always been “getting a Virginia Pine tree for the season.” 

“Me and my family are big on Christmas decorations, the type of decorations you would want to drive through our neighborhood just to see them,” she said. 

Stevens reflected on a sentiment many GW students are feeling right now as they head home for the Christmas season: Though Christmas has always been special, being away from home at college has made the season meaningful “now more than ever.”  

Chairman of the GW College Republicans, Kieran Laffey, also remembered the sacredness of spending time with friends and family and on honoring the true meaning of Christmas together. 

“My favorite Christmas tradition has always been Christmas Eve, and it always starts with going to Mass with my family. After that we open our home to the people closest to us, and the time in between is my favorite part as we wait for everyone to arrive,” he said. 

“It is the best day of the year, and the anticipation for Christmas morning is a feeling nothing else can match,” Laffey added. 

Other members of the club shared fun, lighthearted traditions they look forward to each year during Christmas. 

Director of Political Affairs John Tober said that his “favorite Christmas tradition is displaying [his] collection of over 40 Nutcrackers in [his] house.” 

Writer Colin Slechta said that his “favorite Christmas tradition is seeing who can drink more eggnog between [his] dad and [him].”

Member of the GW College Republicans, Parker Malphurus, also reflected on his time with his family in the mountains during Christmas each year. 

“I love spending time with my family and friends at Christmas parties. It’s always fun to reconnect at my local Republican Party and state GOP parties as well.” 

Malphrus added an important reminder for us all: “even with all this fun, never forget the reason for the season.” 

As the semester wraps up and the 25th approaches, the George Washington College Republicans and The Right Angle wish a Merry Christmas to all of our readers and their families. May we never forget the sacred and beautiful meaning behind all our traditions and celebrations this Christmas season, and may we always continue to “speak Merry Christmas.”