Dear Mountaineer Family:
Many of us view the holiday season through a lens that has altered since our youth.
Gone is that carefree spirit that kept us awake at night wondering how someone could squeeze into the chimney. Or propelled us to start a snowball war with the kids across the street. Or made us sneak a pinch of raw cookie dough from the kitchen counter when no one was looking.
Nowadays, it is easy to let our inner Ebenezer Scrooge emerge. He pops up in the crowded malls, the airports and even the dinner tables.
Because the holidays quickly crept up on us here at West Virginia University, we had to hire a “little” help to produce our annual holiday message.
Their finished product made us believers again.
Sometimes it takes reflection, imagination and the untarnished perspective of a child to savor the true gift of the holidays.
When you gather with your loved ones this season, put the phone away. Look at each other. Laugh. Smile. Love.
Quite simply, unleash your inner child.
From our family to yours, happy holidays.
E. Gordon Gee
President, West Virginia University