Rocky Mountain Christmas

The only darned photo I took that is recognizable!

Our town has one big day/night that kicks off Christmas. Many organizations and all the stores put a lot of effort into that day and if the locals were lacking in Christmas spirit before, the Big Night turns them around for sure. Only a real bah humbug! Scrooge kind of person could resist the magic of our town, sparkling with lighted trees and buildings on a dark Christmas season night. That night was last night.

  I haven't missed one of these Christmas events since I've lived here. This was my fifth one. There is a craft show, festival of trees, a big dance, chili suppers and home made cookies and cider at every corner and in every store. The culminating event of the evening is the Christmas parade. Some years are so frigidly, miserably cold, lots of people watch the parade from their cars. But I don't care if a gale force wind was blowing a blizzard right down the middle of Main street, I wouldn't watch the parade from a car! This year, however the temperature was a balmy 35 degrees and the good weather brought out a much larger crowd for the Christmas parade than in past years.

 Crowding into both sides of the street making just enough room for the parade to pass, onlookers of this small town parade are active participants.  We reverently place our hands on our hearts when the mounted color guard passes carrying the American and Colorado flags, Christmas lights adorning their beautiful horses, because our patriotism rises at the sight and we all feel just lucky as heck to be exactly where we are at that moment.

And when the search and rescue team passes in force, lights shining on their helmets, we lean toward them, saying things like Thanks guys!  and We sure appreciate your work! because these are the men and women who will save our lives if we ever get lost in these wild mountains.

Dozens of soccer kids (Katy included) walked jauntily in the parade this year, each little head sprouting reindeer antlers outlined in red blinking lights, their voices raised in laughter and singing. 

Plenty of friendly dogs were walking their owners, dogs prancing and barking happily, pulling towards the crowd for pets and admiration. One thing I've realized since living here is that dogs love parades.  A big flat bed trailer was loaded with hay, and riding on it, as calmly as if they were in their home pastures, two of the tiniest miniature horses I've ever seen, their owners sitting beside them stroking their tiny necks.

Then various little floats, often being not much more than gaily lit pick-up trucks, some full of carolers. And finally, several impressive contributions from our wonderful and exuberant volunteer fire department, including of course, Santa on one firetruck. It was the largest and best Christmas parade ever.

When the crowd reluctantly broke up, most people were hoarse from yelling Merry Christmas! a hundred times, and my eyes were misty as always.  Our parades do it to me every time.  My throat tightens, my eyes fill with barely contained tears, and I feel so very happy knowing that what ever happens to me in the future...where ever I go and whatever I do, I was once able to live in this small town where the people are opened and giving, and though there are hundreds here who are moving in from other areas of the country, each and every one of them wants to retain the best of the American spirit in this little American town in the Rocky Mountains.

I am feeling very blessed this year!

Comments

[Judy in KY]

How glorious! It sounds perfect! I feel Christmasy just reading your post.
And lovely photo of Katy with Santa.

[Judy in KY]

Anya, I didn't say enough in my first comment. Your post is absolutely amazing and touching. You describe all the little details so well, and your feelings come across so eloquently. It makes me feel like I was right there with you. Nobody could be a "bah, humbug" after reading your post!

[anya]

Oh, Judy....that's the best comment ever. Thank you.

[fire byrd]

I so love the way America does it's holidays, from Halloween to Chrristmas I just love getting to be part of it on visits.
Your little town one sounds just perfect.... Lucky you

[susan]

Another lovely description of life in a small town and more of the simple little things that we all have in our lives to be grateful for. Thanks Anya. I'm with Judy I felt like I was there too, standing along the parade route Love from the gang here in Nova Scotia xo S.

[anya]

I just love all you girls. Thanks for the sweet comments. (the season is making me decidedly mushy)

[Mmmm]

What a truly lovely descriptive post or the people and the parade, etc. I love the spirit in this. Ahhh. It's good to see people who enjoy where they are at--maybe some of it will rub off on me.

[Alex]

Anya...I really enjoyed reading this post. I felt like I was there with you. :)