Christmas 2024

Christmas is celebrated by most of us in a variety of ways.

It can be a barbecue in the park, supper after midnight mass, a dinner for 20 with a huge turkey and all the trimmings or a white Christmas in snowy weather.

My friend Peter Koh and his family have spent most Christmases in the ski resort of Vail Valley, Colorado, since his retirement 19 years ago.

“This is because my wife Suzanne and I love to ski, as does our daughter Michelle who learnt to ski when she was five,’’ Peter said.

“Being ski resorts, the town of Vail and Beaver Creek Village are lit up like winter wonderlands.

“The evergreen trees are lit up all along the streets and at the entrances to the villages and the twinkling lights enhance that magical ambience.’’

He said they are almost guaranteed a white Christmas at our elevation over 7,000 feet (2,133 metres).

Vail is at 8,100 feet (2,468 metres) while Beaver Creek/Avon are at 7,500 feet (2,286 metres.

The keen skier always looks forward to the first snowfall around mid-November, but of course it doesn’t snow every day.

“We always spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in our Arrowhead town home,’’ Peter said.

Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?

If you want to share how you celebrate Christmas, why not email me at idachionh@gmail.com and I’ll include it on this website.

Just a seasonal reminder!

This Christmas, before you buy more “stuff’’ for your family and friends, why not consider if they really need it?

There are many ways you can show your love and regard without buying them something they don’t really need.

Think about it.

Merry Christmas to everyone, wherever you are!