'Tis the Season: Best wishes for the holidays

I love this time of year: the season, the decor, heck I love the whole shebang, lights and all. Especially the lights. They twinkle and flash every color of the Christmas rainbow, the bright lights of green, red, white and the coldest of blue. From our twin Christmas trees set in the windows in my home, to Frosty and Mrs. Frost set out on the commons in Palmer with a family of Whoville Who's to keep them company in the dark. They greet me when I go down to the radio station on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to do my radio thing; I look down the street at them while I unlocked the studio door and just smile. I like to look about the rest of the town all decked out in its holiday best for a moment before entering the studio with a warm glow in my heart from the sight.

There is nothing better than a small town Christmas, which I so prefer over the hustle and bustle of a city trying to be in the holiday spirit. Sometimes it can be a cold and depressing time along the crowded sidewalks of the big cities like Seattle or Anchorage. There is little warmth to draw upon to feed the spirit of the season; it starves the spirit to become something cheap and colorless and void of feeling.

But here in the small towns of the Valley it is full warmth and the human spirit of the holidays, and I love it. People walk by saying “merry Christmas” or “happy holidays.” I'm good with either. Others just say “good day” and at least one says “howdy” with a grin. Actually that’s me most days, except during the holiday season when it's “merry Christmas.” The only thing cold is the air as we run about bundled up to keep the winter’s deep chill out. Admittedly we will never make a fashion statement, but at least we are warm and comfy.

That warmth is genuine as I encounter people in town at Fireside Books or sitting down to a mug of coffee at Vagabond Blues. It’s especially true during the holiday bustle of Colony Christmas, when the town was packed full of holiday shoppers striving to shop local. There was Christmas music floating in the air from some storefronts (including my station KVRF), which set the mood making it a fun time for all. In spite of the winter’s cold, the scene was one that brought out that warm fuzzy feeling, that Dickens holiday glow in full swing.

Fireside Books was packed. The computers were down, which made things just a little interesting. Owner Dave Cheezum had his crew busy alongside a computer tech crew trying to fix the problem. Get this: there was never a cross word or complaint from any customer or staff member during this mini crisis — not even a dirty look. Most took it in stride and applauded when Dave announced the tech crew came through and solved the problem.

Later I went to Vagabond Blues for some coffee and hot soup. The place was mobbed; just finding a table was an adventure. I ended up with a window seat. So I sat there drinking coffee, eating my soup and reading a book, which I find very relaxing. I was also people-watching because the holiday season can produce interesting sights. I wasn't disappointed. It was a holiday parade inside and out on the sidewalks, a parade of scarves, funky caps, coats, kids in overstuffed jump suits and parkas. From holiday best to it’s all-time wackiest, including one set of felt antlers on a lady’s head that lit up with a pull of a string. Who needs TV with entertainment like that?

So why was this happening? Maybe it’s due to the season. At least I would like to think so. After all, this is the season for hope and joy. Those lights are really symbols of the light of hope in the darkness of despair, a time when the words “peace on Earth and goodwill towards all” should be more than just words. Especially during these times filled with so much violence and strife, a little hope can go a long way. The wishes for peace and goodwill are far from naive.

So I’m going to leave you with this: May you have a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a happy New Year. I hope it is a holiday season filled with fine food, presents, faith, family and good friends. Be safe and please don’t drink and drive — your loved ones need you here alive.

And I nearly forgot: Peace on Earth and goodwill towards all.

Lastly, I’m going lift a line my favorite Christmas story, “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, as spoken by the character Tiny Tim:

“God bless us, everyone!”

Daniel D. Grota is a retired U.S. Army veteran with over 21 years in service. He is also a Tuesday morning co-host on KVRF 89.5 FM, Radio Free Palmer. Write to him at news@frontiersman.com.