Lithuanian leaders wish nation calmness, warmth for holiday season

VILNIUS – The leaders of Lithuania wished the country's residents calmness and warmth ahead of the biggest holidays of the year.

President Dalia Grybauskaite said in her congratulatory message that the holiday season contained all the dearest things.

"The moments when we feel the power of good very well. We realize once again that the true holiday is seeing smiles of your lived ones, hearing children's laughter, sharing the communion wafer and the warmth of hearts. Preserve the feeling of togetherness as the biggest gift of the evening. Let your homes be filled with serenity and joy, as well as light that overcomes darkness," Grybauskaite said.

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said that the evening of Christmas Eve was linked with coziness, attention to the loved ones and was "the most meaningful payback for all deeds of the year."

"Sincere care, understanding and support are the biggest gifts on Christmas morning that I wish you all shared throughout the next year. I congratulate you all on the most beautiful festivals of the year. Let them be generous and warm for everyone. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," the prime minister said in his congratulatory message.

Parliamentary Speaker Viktoras Pranckietis said everyone should share the warmness with their loved ones, neighbors, distant family and strangers on the street.

"I wish you all to be strong to be able to forgive and to learn how to wait. Values make a person's life more complicated but more meaningful. Let's celebrate, enjoy and live," Pranckietis said in his message.