Omayra Acevedo, Gilpin County. History claims that the story of Santa Claus stretches all the way back to the third century. It began with a monk named St. Nicholas, who became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all his wealth and traveled the countryside helping poor and sick people. One of his most famous stories is the one where he saved three sisters by providing them with dowries so they could marry instead of being sold into slavery or prostitution. 

This past weekend, as snowflakes fell in a whirlwind of white, I had the privilege of meeting with Santa for the third time in less than two weeks. This time at the Winter Arts Festival at the Gilpin County Community Center. For such a busy guy, he sure does remain super jolly. As I walked around taking photos, asking questions and even partaking in some of the activities, I began to recall some of the things my mother taught me about the holidays. She would say, “mi bebé, nunca pierdas de vista las razones reales por las que celebramos las cosas. Meaning: my baby girl, never lose sight of the real reasons why we celebrate things.

To this day, though the holidays remain difficult for me, her words are something I hold dear to my heart. This year, for the first time in 12 years, I’ve decided to decorate my home. No easy feat considering the number of tears I’ve shed while doing so. Thus far, I’ve hung a couple of ornaments from windows, a cabin-style wooden wreath (which I found at the festival) and plan on picking up more holiday decor this week while celebrating my birthday in Estes Park. 

Besides Santa, decorations and vendors, the festival offered entertainment of all sorts. Like, a choir, cuddles with Friends of Charlie’s Place, the incredibly talented, self-taught balloon artist, Tonya, dancing, face painting, cookie decorating, a martial arts demonstration, a farmer’s market, craft making, reindeer races, painting with park rangers and plenty of smiles to get us through another year. All in all, it was just what I needed to get motivated and inspired. Thank you to Gabrielle Chisholm and the staff of Gilpin County Parks and Recreation for bringing so many individuals together for one purpose… Celebration!

Throughout the course of history, the legend of Santa Claus has evolved; taking different names such as Kris Kringle, St. Nick and even SinterKlass in Holland. His story has also taken many forms; nowadays he is more commonly known as Santa Claus, the protector of children. Whichever story or legend you choose to follow, or whichever holiday you celebrate, the point is that at least you believe in something good and that is never a bad thing. So, this year I will celebrate the holidays. If nothing else, to honor the memory of my mother. Happy Holidays, my dear readers!

(Originally published in the December 19, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)