STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 6
From the Editor... It ain’ t that deep
re ugly sweaters still a thing? Are folks still making a Abig deal out of people who put their Christmas trees up too early? I’ m Generation X, on the border of Millennial. The trendy thing, and you might recall this from pop culture of the 90s and 2000s, was that the holidays were being viewed as something we had to survive.
You had to suffer through the commercialism of the holidays or dread facing the uncle who was going to start a fight at Thanksgiving. Something broke that. Something positive. People began seeking the joy. Good for them. The“ War on Christmas” nonsense seems to have relegated itself to stray corners of social media. The idea grew that anticipation is, in fact, the best part of any event. We seem to be embracing things appropriately.
It’ s encouraging. Refreshing. It’ s proof that, sometimes, we just need something to look forward to.
It’ s whimsy for the sake of being whimsical. Irony be damned.
People are craving the opportunity to not take life for granted, to embrace the spirit of the holidays and to cherish the moments we have together. It’ s a point of view worth rooting for. This edition bores into some of the origins of the holidays, which have definitely evolved over time and borrowed from other cultures, but prevails to have the goal of bringing people together in celebration.
Break out the stockings. Haul out the holly. Overeat. Live in the moment.
Post Script. On one note, the journalistic stickler in us will give a bad review to anyone using an AI program to make their holiday cards. SwOk
STORY BY Beau Simmons Editor Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
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HOLIDAYS AT HOME
What all does Stillwater have to offer for the festive season?
THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas celebrations as we know them have changed much over time
GIVING TUESDAY
Acts of kindness and charity for the community
CELEBRATING LIGHT AND HOPE
Exploring the traditions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
What’ s up in Stillwater?
DON’ T BE NAUGHTY
You’ ll want to avoid a visit from Krampus
FAMILY PORTRAITS
Pictures of togetherness
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
A holiday greeting from the staff of Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PIONEER PATHFINDER ACADEMY
Deck the halls with help from Stillwater students
THE SALVATION ARMY
Clearing up misconceptions about the organization
MADE IN OKLAHOMA RECIPES
A breakfast perfect for the holidays
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Shining the spotlight on The Orange Door
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 6