Candace Cameron Bure, known for her role in Full House, recently revealed her Christmas wish this year – to be with her family. Just like millions of Americans, members of Congress also cherish the opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones during the holiday season. In a recent interview, several Republican representatives shared their favorite Christmas traditions, highlighting the importance of family and togetherness.
Representative Carlos Gimenez from Florida, who is of Cuban American heritage, explained that his family celebrates Christmas Eve, also known as Nochebuena, in a special way. For them, this day holds significant religious meaning as it marks the birth of Jesus. Family and friends gather together to commemorate the occasion, and the highlight of the evening is a pig roast. Gimenez’s sons take the lead in preparing this traditional dish, showcasing their expertise in the process.
Interestingly, Gimenez’s connection to the Cuban tradition of roasting a pig on Christmas Eve led him to pardon the animals during his tenure as the mayor of Miami-Dade County, exemplifying his commitment to honoring cultural practices while also adapting to modern perspectives.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer from Minnesota and his family have a unique Christmas tradition – an annual hockey game. Emmer, who has a background in hockey, embraces the sporty spirit during the holiday season by engaging in friendly competition with his loved ones. The tradition has become a beloved part of his family’s Christmas celebration, and this year holds extra significance as Emmer’s grandson will be receiving his first pair of skates.
Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa finds joy in decorating her home for Christmas. She eagerly awaits the end of Thanksgiving dinner to start adorning her house with festive decorations. Hinson also proudly displays a massive Nutcracker collection passed down to her by her mother, and this year, she added a Sugar Plum Fairy to the ensemble.
For Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern from Oklahoma, the best Christmas tradition is simply spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. As a devoted family man, Hern recognizes the importance of creating lasting memories and cherishing the bonds shared with loved ones.
Representative Greg Pence from Indiana, brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, treasures family time as his favorite Christmas tradition. Each year, he and his brothers, along with their nephews, gather for a special dinner on December 21st, creating a tradition that strengthens their familial ties.
As the holiday season approaches, these Republican representatives exemplify the significance of family, tradition, and togetherness. Despite their busy schedules as public servants, they prioritize spending quality time with their loved ones, creating lasting memories during this festive time of year.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital, specializing in covering Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous bylines have been featured in publications such as the Daily Mail and CBS News. For more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]. Stay updated on the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to her newsletter.
