Moe, Meili talk Christmas traditions

Ahead of the holiday season, both Premier Scott Moe and Opposition NDP leader Ryan Meili are wishing the people of Saskatchewan a Merry Christmas.

Like many families, Moe said his traditions are to try to get together every year around the holidays, but he and his family have another.

The Moe home in Shellbrooke set up two Christmas trees.

“Over the years, my wife has always bought each of our children an ornament. And we set up the second tree and we put all of the kids’ ornaments on the second tree, which is exciting for my wife and I. I don’t know if the kids enjoy it or not, I think they walk by it and have a look without telling us,” Moe said.

Moe said it’s usually something that signifies what they did or where they went that year.  He said his kids are 21 and 26 years old, so the tree is pretty full by now.

Meili is spending the holidays celebrating with his wife’s family, and then his family in Moose Jaw. He said his celebrations might a little different from others around here because his wife is from Quebec.

“We celebrate on Christmas Eve, so all the presents are opened on Christmas Eve, we go to midnight mass,” said Meili.

He said they stay up late and have a pretty great celebration that way.

In his official Christmas message, Meili related a story about getting stuck in a ditch in a snowstorm as a kid and his neighbours coming to help out. He said it shows the kind of helpfulness and kindness Saskatchewan people show all the time.

“These days, it’s tempting to focus on differences, on what divides us. At Christmas, we remember that every person matters, that everyone is worthy of our kindness and our help,” wrote Meili in the message.

In Moe’s official Christmas message, he talked about the season being a time for family and friends, and a time to give thanks.

He wrote that he’s thankful for the people he’s met in the province this year, and he related the story of 11-year-old Cassidy Evans who started raising money for Cystic Fibrosis research after she was diagnosed with the disease — so far she’s raised more than $100,000.

“It is a season of generosity, a time of giving and a time to give thanks. And there is so much to be thankful for, here in Saskatchewan,” wrote Moe.