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- "Memories of Christmas Past" is Nephi City's 7th Annual Christmas Light Parade
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PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS • Nephi City employees were putting up more decorations at Old Mill Park on Monday as they prepare for the annual Christmas Parade and holiday lighting event next weekend November 29th.
By Jennifer Zirbes
Undoubtedly one of the most beloved stories of all time is "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. We all know the story: Ebenezer Scrooge, a wretched old miser, is visited by spirits who help him change his ways by simply showing him his past, present, and future. If the Spirit of Christmas Past were to visit you, what would he show you? How has celebrating Christmas changed for you through the years, and what lessons have you learned from this? Let´s talk a walk with the Ghost of Christmas Past and analyze.
For my part, the Spirit shows me shadows of me as a child, lying under the Christmas tree for hours at a time, quietly observing the patterns of colored light and shade. Shadows of my brother, sister, and me guessing what the presents could possibly be, almost wearing out the wrapping paper before it was even opened. Leaving a select squadron of my dolls and stuffed animals hidden behind the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve so they could report to me later what Santa Claus really looked like (Raggedy Ann was silent on the subject, so I was happy that at least THEY got to see Santa). Being so excited on the night before Christmas that it was impossible to sleep more than a few hours, if at all, thereby turning the night into a hyper sibling Christmas party. Helping Mom make hundreds of heavenly sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, or popcorn for sharing with neighbors and friends (and also proving that I have a talent for eating vast numbers of homemade cookies). My poor sister who has almost never failed to be sick somehow during Christmas, whether it be chicken pox or bronchitis. Traveling to both grandparents' houses to exchange gifts with family. Christmas programs at school and church where you get to be Prancer or a shepherd. Listening to and singing carols. Staying at my great-grandmother's house and stepping out that morning into a magical, frosted wonderland after a foggy Christmas Eve.
During my adult years Christmas has changed significantly. The Spirit shows me how, in spite of living far away, I have almost always been able to make the long journey home for Christmas. Making floats for the Christmas Parade and admiring the other parade entries in the cold, dark night of light. The piles of presents that have dwindled in quantity over the years but definitely not in love and thoughtfulness. Trying to keep the house reasonably clean in the midst of the stress of too many things to do. When I have not able to travel from Panama, sharing Christmas with my surrogate Panamanian families – eating tamales, arroz con pollo, and grapes during a decidedly un-silent night of firecrackers and music blasting from speakers all over the neighborhood. After being deprived of American food all year, enjoying a little too much all the holiday treats that the neighbors bring to the door. New additions to the family, when Santa Claus decided to deliver to our house again.
The message that we receive from "A Christmas Carol" is that our past, both the happy and the unhappy, directs our present and future, but it is never too late to live a generous, loving, happy life. When I look back on my memories of Christmas, I do not think of one single gift that I received. In fact, I have a hard time remembering what those gifts were at all. However, I do remember with clarity and fondness the things that I did and made, and the people with whom I did them. Material goods do not matter so much as what we create and the people for whom we create. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come also shows me, hazily in the distance, shadows of a family of my own with whom I will have some of the same traditions and many new ones. This Nephi City Christmas Light Parade has become, for many, a family tradition precisely because it is a creative event that can be shared with those we love, and I encourage you to participate and build memories by entering the parade this year if you possibly can.
For those of you who have delighted in this event the past few years, please keep in mind that in order for all of us to continue to enjoy watching the parade, there must be people who are willing to put forth the effort of submitting the entries. In fact, while there have been more and more people watching the parade every year, there have also been fewer and fewer entries (albeit the entries have gotten better and better every year as well). Without a certain number of entries this year, the parade won't be able to continue next year. WE NEED YOU TO KEEP THIS FUN EVENT ALIVE! The parade cannot exist without the wonderful people who contribute to it. They bring a moment of joy to our lives to open the Christmas season, and you are invited to be a part of that.
No time, you say? Make it a family/ward/business/club/whatever afternoon project. Many hands make light work, and this is a fun project that you will all remember for years to come because it will be something you did together. Some families in town have already made it one of their family traditions. So get together, eat some holiday goodies, and blast some Christmas tunes while you turn the gathering into a party! No money, you say? Pool your resources. Most people own or know somebody who owns everything you will probably need, and generally there is no need to spend more than $10-$20 as long as you already have strings of Christmas lights, a neighbor with a generator, and a brother with a trailer, and a friend with a cool unique prop.
Please inform the parade committee of you intention to enter as soon as possible; however, any late entry will be accepted. The registration form can be found on Nephi City's Website, Nephi.utah.gov or at the city office at 21 East 100 North. Return the completed form to the city office or to a member of the parade committee: Debbie, Amy, and Jenny Zirbes; Neils and Judy Jensen; Wayne and Connie Jarrett. If you have any questions or would like to submit an entry, please call Debbie Zirbes at 623-5313 or 623-3433.
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29, 2014, the parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. after the lights are turned on at the Old Mill Park. Parade participants must register on the corner of 300 South and Main, and be in place and ready to roll no later than 5:45.
We are changing the voting this year, no ballots will be handed out, you can go to either the Old Mill Park or the Nephi City Park, where there will be free donuts and get your ballot at that time. (and get a last look at the beautiful floats). Only original ballots or those cut from the newspaper will be accepted. If you feel you can't come to the park, please drop your newspaper ballot in the Nephi City utility box and we can get it from there. The parade committee will once again be handing out free glow sticks to the spectators along Main Street, so make sure all the kids get one! Winners will be announced in the Nephi Times News on Wednesday the 3rd day of December. Hope to see you there! |
