North Cook News

It’s all about family this time of year for House hopeful Jillian Bernas.

“It is all the more important during the holidays when you recognize your blessings and celebrate family traditions,” Bernas, who is running in the 56th House District, told the North Cook News. “This is a time of year I especially put family over the campaign and focus on spending time with my fiancé, parents and our extended families.”

The Republican, who garnered 44.7 percent of the vote in 2016 against Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), has big plans this year.

“My fiancé and I are going to the Bears game Christmas Eve with his siblings and then celebrating later that evening with his family,” Bernas said. “And I will be reading at the Christmas Day Mass at my home parish Church of the Holy Spirit and then we are going to my cousin’s house in Algonquin for Christmas dinner.”

The international relations manager seeking the seat of the 56th District, which includes Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Roselle and Elk Grove Village, is looking forward to sharing seasonal customs.

“For many years, my extended family had the tradition of making gifts for the different families,” Bernas said, adding one year the Bernas family made handmade birdhouses and another year crafted candles made of birch bark. “The tradition faded for a couple years, but we are bringing it back this year. I will be working on our gifts this week, but I cannot say what it is and ruin the secret.”

Another tradition is all about food, she said.

“We also incorporate traditional Polish and Hungarian foods into our meal like pierogi and golumpki and cultural traditions like sharing the Oplatki Christmas wafer with family,” Bernas said.

Looking back on 2017 is another colorful custom, according to the candidate.

“This time of year is for giving thanks for everything we have accomplished or been blessed with over the year, and it is also a time to think about how much we have been given and how much of that we can share with others,” Bernas said.

Being grateful also means giving, she said.

“I try to practice this always, but especially during this time of year because not everyone has the same advantages,” Bernas said. “Picking up a present for a toy drive at church or needed items for a shelter helps families, but when money is short you can also give your time or call someone who might be lonely. Gifts can be time and compassion for others too during this gift giving season.”