TheColumbia Valley - Columbia Valley Pioneer

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer December 22, 2006
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Small towns shine
at Christmas time
By Shannon Pearson
Special to The Pioneer
Almost five years ago,
my family and I moved
to the valley. I admit I
was a little nervous. I’d
heard small towns could
sometimes be closed and
off-putting to newcomers.
But I clung to my
preconceived idea of a
close-knit community,
all friendly and happy. A
bit too ‘Norman Rockwell’ maybe, but
it fed my excitement and took the edge
off my uncertainty.
My concerns proved groundless.
With arms as wide as the valley and
hearts as big as the mountains, we became
members of a wonderful community.
The feeling of unity and belonging
is seldom as strong as during the holidays.
At this time of year, the sense of
community that prevails all year long
suddenly swells to enormous proportions.
Everyone works to make the
lives of others richer, more rewarding,
and joyful. Volunteer numbers grow as
everyone jumps in to make the season
richer. The halls, churches, and school
gymnasiums light up and ring with music
and laughter.
I’ve come to realize that traditions
mean a lot to those who chose to live
and raise their families here. Light Up,
Santa’s arrival in the fire truck, and Super
Sunday kick off the festive season.
Everyone, from families to teenagers,
gather on the streets to watch the Santa
Parade and then happily wander from
shop to shop with smiles and greetings
to everyone they meet. The first year
I participated in Light Up and Super
Sunday was amazing. Most people used
the shopping as an excuse to hang out
and visit with friends and acquaintances.
More time was spent socializing and
visiting than buying and selling! What a
wonderfully relaxing way to shop. The
rush, stress and panic so
tangible in the big city,
was non-existent.
Community leaders,
employers, employees,
and volunteers work tirelessly
to make the Christmas
season memorable.
Light Up, Super Sunday,
the various craft fairs, the
Santa Skate, and the wonderful
entertainers. All
this is organized, not by
faceless drones we never
see, but by people I have come to know
and call my friends.
The pleasure of walking down the
street and knowing the people I meet is
something I seldom experienced where I
came from. Even within the community
I lived, I didn’t know more than a handful
of people. Sad. Nor do I remember
the last time I walked through a crowded
shopping mall and was happy or relaxed
enough to even notice a friendly
face in the crush of people – let alone
greet them. I just wanted to get out!
Now, I look forward to the relaxed
socializing that comes with small-town
shopping. The friendly, close feeling
makes me glad to be a part of this community.
The graciousness of the populace
draws people into its arms and accepts
them.
During the holidays, the spirit of
the valley communities fills my heart
with an overwhelming sense of generosity,
and amazement. The feeling radiates
from every direction. It comes from the
shop windows, the street-light ornaments,
the person that lets you go in
front of them at the grocery store. It is
in the air . . . and only in a small town.
I feel a bond with the valley residents
- a fortunate member of a select group
who live where they want to be. We are
content because we call this small slice
of paradise home. This is what makes
our communities and the season special.
And my family and I are thankful to be
a part of it.
Happy Holidays!
Please remember the Pioneer office is
CLOSED until January 1st.
Merry Christmas!