There is perhaps no time of year when more people are more aligned in heart, mind and spirit than at Christmas.
No matter what your religious beliefs are, this is a time for family and friends, giving, fellowship and kindness toward your fellow man.
With the spirit of Christmas in the air, we invited local leaders to share their Christmas wishes for the community.
Pagosa Springs Mayor Don Volger shared: “My Christmas wish and prayer is that everyone in our community during the holidays experience love, peace, joy and hope for the future. God bless!”
Town Manager Andrea Phillips added, “I wish for everyone to be happy, healthy and to take care of each other.”
Archuleta County Commissioner Ron Maez wrote, “My Christmas wish for the people of Archuleta County is Peace, Happiness, Good Health, and a prosperous New Year.”
Warren M. Brown, Archuleta County commissioner, shared, “I wish for kindness to replace the bitterness in our hearts, food on our empty shelves, understanding of one another when discourse exists and gratefulness even our time of need.”
Archuleta County Administrator Derek Woodman wrote, “I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It is the season that we gather with family and friends and share those special moments that are remembered for a lifetime. For all of those that will be traveling to see your loved ones, please travel safely.”
Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder Kristy Archuleta added, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Blessed to be a part of such an amazing community. Let’s make 2022 filled with kindness and unity.”
Archuleta County Assessor Johanna Tully-Elliott wrote, “To all the amazing people in our beautiful community, I wish all of you nothing but infinite joy and immeasurable love and happiness during this Christmas season! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from my home to yours.”
Archuleta County Treasurer/Public Trustee Elsa White emailed on behalf of her office, “Wishing everyone good health, happiness and joy. Keep your loved one close, make new memories. Be kind to one another. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Jim Smith, board chair of Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District, shared his wish: “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who said ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ consider giving ‘time’ to help our community. Become a 4-H leader, serve on Boards needing help, join a Civic group, Church work, etc. ‘time’ will make a great difference in people’s lives. Merry Christmas.”
Archuleta County Combined Dispatch Center Emergency Communications Director Kati Harr wrote, “I wish everyone connection and meaning, good health, deep gratitude, and an abundance of kindness — both to and from others. Happiest of Holidays to all!”
Pagosa Springs Medical Center CEO and Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Webb added, “On behalf of the staff and providers of Pagosa Springs Medical Center, I wish this community a hope-filled Christmas and holiday season, and good health in the coming year.”
Pagosa Fire Protection District Chief Randy Larson shared, “My wish for Christmas is that we can all put aside our differences and come together to rejoice in the season as one community and that we can move forward with love and respect.”
The message of Christmas is one of joy, hope and peace on Earth. There is no denying the spirit of love and hope that spreads throughout the community at this time of year.
We mean it, as everyone does, when we wish you warmly a merry Christmas.
Terri Lynn Oldham House
