Ask a former Sonoma Mayor: How are you spending Dec. 25?

Larry Murphy

(1988, 1992)

While winter holidays are celebrated differently by different cultures, the one common practice is gathering with friends and family to celebrate together. This year we will still have holiday cards in the mailbox, shopping on Amazon and talking on Zoom, but the hugs, kisses, preparing and sharing a meal, singing hymns together and traveling to celebrate with loved ones... these traditions are on hold. I’m grateful beyond words that my family has not been directly affected by COVID, and my hope for all families is that long before December 2021 this nightmare will be a distant memory when we once again celebrate together.

Tom Rouse

(2014)

This Christmas, like most of 2020, will be a very low-key event. Michele and I are lucky because most of our family, including our two moms live local and we split our time between all of them throughout the day. Wishing peace, joy, health and happiness to all. January 20 is just around the corner.

Larry Barnett

(2000, 2005)

It will be a quiet and lonely holiday, absent the chatter and chaos of grandchildren and their parents. I'll cook something special for the two of us, and my wife Norma and I will perhaps sit by the fire. At some point, we'll crank up Zoom, gab and make faces at each other, agree that this pandemic sucks, and express gratitude that we're all well. It will be lovely.

Nancy Parmelee

(1976, 1980, 1987)

We usually have Christmas dinner with children, spouses and grandchildren. That’s too many households for this year, and no one wants to fly, so we’ll postpone the dinner, perhaps until the summer when everyone has had the vaccine, or perhaps until next Christmas. In the meantime, Merry Christmas to all. Please take care of yourselves.

Valerie Brown

(1990)

My daughter is flying in for the holidays and she is dressed in a hazmat suit, mask, shield and gloves. The need to be with family is so strong. Certainly low key, but together. Even though my siblings and their families are in town, we will not see them. Praying for a better 2021.

Doug McKesson

(2006)

We are fortunate that our kids and grandchildren live in Sonoma. We will get together not all at once and with social distancing. Dec. 25 is our daughter’s birthday so an extra special day for us! We feel very fortunate for the support we get from our family. We are going in to the New Year with every one healthy. I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year!

Laurie Gallian

(2016)

Holidays this year find me and Ray celebrating online with other family members. Having family on both coasts, any travel was not an option today or for the last nine months. Two of my family have had COVID-19 and recovering. More friends my age I know are holidaying with their pod. I am thankful to be celebrating. I am mindful that in this community not all are so fortunate. I have been heartened by the outpouring of compassion in our community for those struggling and in need. It is my wish for 2021 and the future for all to return to health and stability. Happier New Year!

Joanne Sanders

(2008, 2012)

We will spend Christmas like we always do: at our home in Sonoma with plenty of food, wine and anticipation for the loving gifts that await us on Christmas morning. I am grateful for each additional year that our entire family can be together. With our son Mathieu in his final year at West Point, we are especially grateful to the United States Army for letting him come home for this much-needed break.

Ken Brown

(2001, 2009, 2013)

We are spending this Hanukkah/Christmas in our lovely home on Lubeck, the last house in city limits. My daughter-roommate Eden, Moses is home on leave with his adopted daughter Alanna, my daughter Shoshana is baking cookies with my granddaughter Penelope, Nolan Trood and Juliana Bragg round out the cast tonight. It’s very noisy. Ordering out pizza. We will light a Yahrzeit candle for a very special Jewel, a gift from Congregation Shir Shalom. My holiday wish is for everyone to be safe! And please keep your loved ones safe, as well.