I know you have heard this sentiment countless times throughout 2020, but this has been an incredibly challenging year – like no other in our lifetimes. Like you, I have been frustrated, sad, and disappointed by so many things this year. Sad about all the canceled events and celebrations, disappointed by the fact that I was relegated to my house for months on end and frustrated that we are still battling this illness 9 months after the first COVID case came to Queens, but I also understand that our public health and safety must come first. However, I always get so much hope and optimism from our community. We are resilient, and we have adapted – even though we have not been able to celebrate holidays as in years past, people still made time for their traditions. This holiday season has been no different, as our community once again proved its resiliency and stepped up to bring that holiday magic to our lives.

I cannot contain myself – I love the holiday season! It’s a reminder of what’s important, and I love going through our district to visit all of the wonderful lights and displays with my family. Holidays in general have been tough this year – as we have been challenged in our ability to get together. However, there are so many opportunities to safely visit many of the holiday season traditions that have endured despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, my plan will be safe and socially distant, because COVID will never take away that holiday spirit and love for our community.

Holiday spirit means safely visiting the Little North Pole on Beach 144^th Street, the Menorah and Christmas Tree on Beach 116^th Street, the REMA4US Christmas Tree on Beach 20^th Street, and driving throughout the Rockaway Peninsula to see all the wonderful holiday decorations. We can create new traditions like the Rockaway WISH Santa Parade in the 90’s or finding a new latke or jelly doughnut recipe. Holiday spirit also means bringing joy to others if you are lucky enough to be able to do that. You could shop at one of our great small businesses offering unique holiday gifts, or you could buy someone a gift card to one of our great local restaurants. There are so many ways to be involved in the holiday season in Rockaway, and each of them could give you great joy and bring some of the magic of the season back into your households.

As we look to close the book on 2020, let us be grateful for our health, our families, our friends, our traditions, and our community. Let us end this year on a high note while bringing our families together safely to create new traditions. Don’t get me wrong: we have many challenges ahead, but I know 2021 will be better for us all - I believe in the resiliency of our people, and the unity in our community.

As always, my office is always available to hear your concerns and listen to what is important to you! You can call us at 718-945-9550, email me at amatos@nyassembly.gov, or reach out to my staff for any assistance. Happy holidays and have a safe new year!