Does your family send a Christmas letter? Perhaps a Christmas card with (if you’re lucky) all the children (and husband) smiling and looking at the camera?
I enjoy receiving the annual greetings from friends and family, near and far. Although I’d rather pick up the phone and call to see what’s new, I’m grateful for the end-of-year updates in our mailbox, because life is busy when you’re raising kids.
There is an art to the Christmas letter. Perhaps a poem or a theme draws interest. Equal parts wit and wisdom. Real-life stuff and the fun stuff, too. Here is my chance to show off what I’ve learned in my years of Christmas letter reading and research.
North Dakota’s electric cooperatives monitored legislation during the 2023 legislative session and advocated for policies to ensure reliable, affordable electricity for the state’s electric cooperative members. We also supported efforts this year to improve quality of life for rural North Dakotans, like food access and child care.
Don’t talk to me about winter yet. I am still recovering from a blustery leaf-blower incident with our middle child (recall my April editorial) and the long winter that humbled us all.
Like many others, I am one of those wait-until-the-last-minute Christmas shoppers. But I am turning over a new leaf. Why not join me and give the gift that keeps on giving all year long – a North Dakota Living subscription. Call 800-234-0518 or 701-663-6501 or go online to www.ndliving.com/subscribe and get yours before Christmas!
In February, 20 electric cooperatives across North Dakota and eastern Montana partnered for the second year to bring important fire safety training to the state fire school. Nearly 100 rural firefighters participated in the alternative fuel vehicles safety training course. Cooperatives paid the $15,500 bill.
Veggies. I tried to eat more of them this year. Will try again next year.
In July, we kicked off a yearlong celebration to commemorate North Dakota Living’s 70th year! We are proud to have earned your trust over 70 years. We will continue to tell North Dakota stories, cover topics others do not and always champion rural North Dakota.
November is over and that means, for the Kramer family, we are one month closer to graduation and seeing our first-born leave for college. This is my personal reminder (which might be helpful for you to hear, too) to soak up the fleeting moments and enjoy each other this holiday season.
Grateful to have shared 2023 with you, our North Dakota Living readers! Merry Christmas.
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Josh Kramer, editor-in-chief of North Dakota Living, is executive vice president and general manager of NDAREC. Contact him at jkramer@ndarec.com.
