Jefferson City is a fantastic place to live and visit all year round, but it’s all the more so during the holiday season. The community joins together to celebrate in many different ways, but the season really starts with the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Prayer Breakfast the morning before Thanksgiving Day.  

Individuals and families from throughout the area come together to reflect and give thanks for the community, opportunities, and blessings received throughout the year. 

After Thanksgiving, the community comes to life with lights, caroling, and events across the city. Local high schools participate in Capitol Caroling, where fantastic music and song can be heard throughout the capitol. 

The annual Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas Parade and Living Windows brings many downtown to see the beauty of our historic city. Governor and First Lady Parson welcome the community to the Governor’s Mansion, offering candlelight tours and giving Missourians and visitors alike a glance at “The People’s House” in its full holiday glamour. 

Each of these events allow families, businesses, and organizations to celebrate and support one another. 

The many churches throughout Jefferson City offer Christmas Eve services, nativities, festivals, and children’s programs all season long. These events highlight the meaning of the season, bring people to Jefferson City, and celebrate one of the most special and sacred times of the year. 

As hectic as this time of year always is, and it seemingly grows busier with each passing year, it is an important time to reflect on the incredible blessings we have received, and in turn, give help and resources to those who need it most. Many worthy charities and causes are located in and around Jefferson City, and are particularly active during the holiday season. 

Sometimes hard-working caregivers do not have the financial freedom to provide toys or material gifts for their children during the holidays. Toys for Tots is one great organization that allows children to have presents they otherwise might not receive during the holiday season. 

Toys for Tots and other benevolent organizations provide the opportunity for adults and children to give to others, increasing their thankfulness, shaping their future with humility and charity, and instilling the importance of giving to the community.

While making monetary or material gift donations are great ways to help meet the needs of others, time is a resource that is just as valuable and rewarding. The Salvation Army provides opportunities for people of all ages to participate in bell-ringing, with their iconic red buckets stationed across Jefferson City. 

The spirit of volunteerism and giving, evident during this time of year, provides a reflection on the character of the people of Jefferson City and Mid-Missouri: always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers to bring our community together. 

Throughout the last year, especially this summer, Jefferson City has relearned how situations can change without a moment’s notice, how lives can be turned upside down in an instant, and how offering a helping hand or lending support can mean so much. This community is an incredible example of people coming together to take care of one another. 

I am especially thankful during this holiday season for all the blessings God has given myself and family, and for the Jefferson City Community. Happy holidays and God bless!