This is the last blog of the year. Next week will be 2026 and what a year it has been. I hope to involve more of you in the blogging next year and we can discuss what we’ve been doing.

            Last night a friend and I drove around Enid and saw the Christmas lights. We try to do this every year and I’m happy to report, it did not disappoint.

            A few years ago, Enid came up with the idea of a huge Christmas tree downtown called The One, and a Christmas village to go with it. It has grown. The tree is now artificial and lit with lights that coordinate with radio station, FM 93.1, which plays Christmas carols. There is a kiddie train ride that is pulled by a decorated tractor and drives around the park with kids in the cars. A trolly takes people around the downtown area so they can see the courthouse square and the lights there.

            I understand a movie was made on the grounds of the park and will be available next year. It is great to see our little town grow.

            My friend and I drove to the park with the tree and got a great parking place so we could see all that was happening. The tree was lit up; families took their children on rides and ice skated on the ice-skating rink (even in the unseasonably warm weather) and we even witnessed a wedding! Or a photo shoot. It was hard to tell, but they were dressed up for the wedding with the bride, groom, minister and photographer. They had their picture taken in front of a heart made of lights and they danced to the music. It was fun for us to watch and made memories for them.

            We drove to Meadowlake Park and the drive through light show. Christmas is over and the festivities were not in full swing, but I loved the way the lights shone off the water of the lake. They need something decorated and floating on the lake. Next year.

            Then we drove to the areas that we thought would have the most lights and we weren’t wrong. It is amazing to me that I never tire of Christmas lights. It is as magical now as it was when I was a kid. I’m glad I found a friend who likes to go too. We make this an annual event and pair the radio to the station so we can listen to the music that coordinates with the tree’s lights. We’ll do it again next year and for as long as they have the celebration. I am glad Enid has created a Christmas park. It is worth the wait each year.

            What are you reading, writing, creating, or viewing this week?