From the Editor
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 6
From the Editor
Getting into the spirit
Yes , Christmas is big business . We all get that . Stores have their ornaments out before Halloween . Music labels make pop stars push out recycled Christmas songs to grab an extra buck or two . Department stores finally make it into “ the black .” People can ’ t get their trees up quickly enough . So what ? The holiday spirit imbues us in whatever manner has the most meaning to us . Sometimes , it ’ s just a feeling of hope or togetherness . And , many people , true to fashion , find the spirit of the holiday in giving . It is better , after all .
A great portion of this edition is spent exploring what the holidays mean to different people . Stillwater is full of generous people , but there are those who go above and beyond like Gary Boyington , who makes holidays special for veterans in nursing homes . As well as the Wilson family and their dedicated group of Christmas Dinner volunteers .
What ’ s it like for a soldier spending their first Christmas away from home ?
What does it mean for a little girl to dance for the first time in “ The Nutcracker ,” on a big stage ? How do people of different cultures celebrate ? It ’ s the people in our lives that make the holidays special . Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays . SwOk
PAGE 8 STILLWATER HOLIDAYS 2024
Holidays , Events & Activities
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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER IN STILLWATER LETS NO ONE GO WITHOUT
Wilson family and volunteers help make season bright
HOLIDAYS TAKE ON DEEP MEANING FOR SERVICE MEMBERS ABROAD
Soldiers share their experiences
STILLWATER EVENTS
What ' s Up ?
READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT
Stillwater girl at home on the stage
HOW THE NUTCRACKER ENDURES
Q & A on the classic ballet
STOCKING STUFFER
A book about baby birds
ROOTS AND RITUALS
How different cultures celebrate the season
A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS
The newest thing isn ' t new
STORY BY Beau Simmons Editor Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
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CELEBRATING SENIORS AT CHRISTMAS
Volunteers take care of our elders
THE PERSERVERANCE OF THE POINSETTIA
Mexican import becomes a symbol of the season
GIVING TUESDAY
' Tis the season
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
It ' s important to shop small
HOLIDAY RECIPES
Dinner is served
ON THE SCENE IN STILLWATER
Snapshot of local events
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 6