FREE ! TAKE ONE HOME! A Publication of
Vol. 37 | No. 14 December 19, 2024 1411 West Dakota Parkway Suite 2a | Williston, North Dakota 701-572-4851 | info@vocella.com
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The Magic of Christmas: Made, Not Found
Karolyn Moltzan, THE SHOPPER
I
t’s an undeniable fact that many—dare I say, hopefully, most?—feel a sense of warmth and togetherness this time of year. Sure, a lot of us are running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to keep it all together: work, holiday baking, shopping and generally creating the “magic” of the season for our kids. But as we pause, watching those huge, lazy snowflakes drift to the ground, it’s hard not to feel like we’re in the middle of a Hallmark movie—where everything is cozy, magical and works out just as it should. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be just a fleeting thought. That kind of magic is something we
can all create, one small act at a time, right here in Williston. No single person can fix every problem in the world, but as author Sharon McMahon reminds us, “Everyone can do something.” And that something, no matter how small, can ripple outward in ways we may never see. What does that look like? Maybe it’s helping a neighbor who struggles to get out and about by shoveling their sidewalk or leaving a plate of cookies on their doorstep. Maybe it’s cooking an extra batch of lefse or preparing a holiday meal for someone who’s been too busy, too tired, or too far from home to make their own. And what about the people who are working hard to keep things moving for the rest of us? Nurses, delivery drivers, law enforcement, snowplow
operators—the people who don’t always get a chance to sit down and enjoy the season. A small gesture like a warm cup of coffee or a handwritten thank-you note can go a long way in showing them they’re appreciated. The holidays are also a time to reconnect—not just with others, but with ourselves and our loved ones. It’s tempting to keep scrolling on our phones, debating with strangers online or getting lost in endless news feeds. But this season, let’s put the devices down, look around and focus on what really matters: spending time together. Play a board game with your kids. Bundle up and build a snowman in the yard. Invite friends over to bake cookies or teach your children how to cook the traditional holiday
dinner alongside you. Watch a Christmas classic with the whole family (yes, even if you’ve seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” a hundred times already). These small, intentional moments can remind us that the most meaningful traditions aren’t about things—they’re about time, love and connection. Of course, no Williston holiday would be complete without a nod to its rich traditions. Lefse-making is practically a rite of passage in this region. Whether you’ve mastered the perfect roll or end up with a few patchwork pieces along the way, it’s the kind of shared experience that sticks with you. And who hasn’t spent an evening piling into the car to admire the Christmas lights? Winter itself offers its own
magic here. From sledding, to ice skating, to that satisfying crunch of snow underfoot, it’s all a reminder of why we embrace the season rather than hiding from it. The beauty of this season is how it draws us back to what’s most important: the people we care about and the community we’re part of. This year, let’s not just talk about the spirit of Christmas—let’s live it. Reach out to someone who might be lonely. Share your time, your traditions or even just a kind word. Because in Williston, the holidays are about more than just what we do—they’re about who we are. Together, we can make this season brighter for everyone. From all of us at Vocella, we truly wish you a very, Merry Christmas.