64°F
weather icon Mostly Clear
Boulder City, NV
Opinion

Season brings out best in people

More Stories
bcr default image
May may be my favorite month
bcr default image
Castile soap, the superstar multi-tasker
bcr default image
A graduation gift to remember
bcr default image
Democracy dies in … Oh, shut up
By Hali Bernstein Saylor Hali’s Comment
December 28, 2022 - 3:45 pm
 

There’s just something about December that tends to bring out the good in people. They seem to smile more and think about others more.

During the past few weeks, I have been fortunate enough to see that good, to see people sharing the best parts of themselves.

It started with the annual Luminaria, community Christmas tree lighting, Doodlebug Craft Bazaar and Santa’s Electric Night Parade when hundreds of people donated their time and talents to brighten the season and make things merry. And it hasn’t stopped.

Those first few days of the month were a whirlwind of wonderful moments as people came together as a community to welcome the holiday season. And in doing so, several groups also were able to raise funds to support worthwhile causes during the coming year.

Then came more events, including the Best Dam Wine Walk’s popular ugly sweater contest, Night of Lights at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and Jingle Jam, a new celebration that featured a variety of activities along with some holiday shopping.

Of course, that jolly old elf — also known as Santa Claus — was popping up everywhere to help spread that good cheer. It’s hard to be grumpy when a man in a bright red suit is “ho, ho, ho-ing” and passing out candy.

Aside from all the fun, there were some seriously good moments, too.

The annual Angel Tree project presented by Emergency Aid of Boulder City gave gifts to more than 100 children and 260 senior citizens, thanks to the generosity of community residents. (They actually got a jump start on the spirit of giving in November when the local Elks lodge hosted Pancakes and Pajamas.)

When the winter solstice arrived, I was invited to a celebration where good food and even better conversations were the highlights of the evening.

But, for me, the best part was when everyone gathered outdoors underneath a clear sky with a sliver of a crescent moon to share their hopes and goals for the coming year. It was heartwarming to hear that not one person’s thoughts were turned inward. Instead, everyone wished good things for those around them, the community, the world and the Earth itself.

Then, just a few days ago, on Christmas, about 100 folks gathered to make sure that no one had to be alone that day. People volunteered to cook and serve dinner to fellow residents of the community. The room was decorated to help set a festive atmosphere and bad moods were checked at the door.

Everyone was greeted with a smile and made to feel welcome. The event seemed to embody what the season should be about.

All these warm fuzzies helped melt away the woes from earlier this year and made me long for a year of December. It is my hope for 2023 that we can keep that spirit of camaraderie and giving throughout the year.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
bcr default image
May may be my favorite month
By Mayor Joe Hardy

Boulder City is the place to be this time of the year, with so many fantastic events and festivals.

bcr default image
Castile soap, the superstar multi-tasker
By Norma Vally

Soap isn’t typically something we give much thought to, but when Castile soap bubbled up in my world three times in one week, for completely different reasons, I took it as a sign. So, in scrubbing up on my soap knowledge it became clear—Castile soap is, well, soaprier.

bcr default image
A graduation gift to remember
By Ron Eland Editor

Over the last couple of weeks, I twice drove over the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge, aka the Hoover Dam bypass.

bcr default image
Democracy dies in … Oh, shut up
By Bill Evans Boulder City Review

OK, so, fair warning. I may be a little “spicier” than normal. It’s been a challenging couple of weeks and I’m in a worse mood than usual.

bcr default image
Real ID will help combat terrorism
By Chuck N. Baker

Most veterans in Nevada are aware that when they obtain a driver’s license or renew their old one, they can ask the DMV to add the word “veteran” on the license. While that won’t give them a get-out-of-jail-free card, it might evoke some sympathy from an officer if a veteran is pulled over for a minor infraction. (No guarantee, but it has happened to me.)

bcr default image
Centenarian Sara, a Boulder City treasure
By Rod Woodbury

At 100 years of age, Sara Denton is certainly one of Boulder City’s oldest residents. And if you’ve met her, you’ll likely agree that she’s one of its most cheerful residents as well. Sara loves to laugh and has always lived life with gusto and adventure.

bcr default image
Know what wheels kids can (and can’t) operate
By Police Chief Tim Shea and Acting Fire Chief Greg Chesser

Motorized devices are growing in popularity, especially with teens, but many parents don’t know the legalities or the dangers.

bcr default image
Teamwork resonates in City Hall
By Mayor Joe Hardy

Every year, college basketball fans get excited for their team to play in the “Big Dance.” March Madness (women’s and men’s NCAA basketball) is down to the final four teams this weekend. It’s estimated that 34 million brackets were completed this year.

I took this photo earlier this year just up the street from where I live. Bighorn sheep are oft ...
My bighorn buddies

Having grown up in Boulder City, I was always aware of its unofficial mascots …the bighorn sheep.

bcr default image
Can’t we all just disagree?
By Bill Evans Boulder City Review

Once you asked me, “What do you think?”