Regardless of what holiday you celebrate this time of year, Meridian is all dressed up for the occasion.  It seems the community has gone a little extra jolly this year with more twinkle lights, louder Christmas music, and more yard decorations than ever before. After the year we have all experienced, this is just what we need and I’m loving it!  

While Christmas in Meridian, one of our time honored traditions, had to be re-imagined this year – there’s no shortage of holiday fun. As our Parks and Recreation Department says, “Humbug is not in our vocabulary!”. The team has done such a great job of adapting to the times, offering a full line up of activities with no shortage of Christmas cheer.   

I’ve attended countless tree lightings in Meridian, always one of my favorite nights of the year. Santa typically flips the switch to light the tree and with him unable to make it (busy at the North Pole), I had some big boots to fill. It was truly an honor to light the beautiful tree donated by Cathy and Clo Oberhart, and kick off Christmas in Meridian. Of course, I wish we could have all been together to celebrate, but we were able to live stream the festivities and appreciate all of you that tuned in. If you missed it, no worries! Gather the family, whip up some hot chocolate and enjoy it HERE. I hope you all get a chance to venture downtown to see it in all of its Christmas glory, it really is an impressive tree this year!   

While you’re out and about, don’t forget to wander around and check out the decorated downtown businesses. They’re competing for bragging rights, so be sure to vote HERE on your favorite set up.  I’ve enjoyed seeing all of the artistic ornaments found in this last weekend’s Ornament Drop. Thank you to everyone that participated in the event. To those lucky enough to find a keepsake from a stranger - we hope you were able to find a great spot for it on your tree. 

I hope Santa has a consistent supply of cookies and candy canes to keep him energized. He has been hard at work personally responding to the nearly nine hundred kids who sent him a letter through Santa’s Mailbox at City Hall. With a little Christmas magic and a good internet connection, he has also spent time on Zoom calls with 250 kids here in Meridian so far.  Not to be outdone, this weekend our Parks and Rec elves were busy handing out “Winterland in the Bag” craft kits to 500 Meridian kids.    

We aren’t the only ones that have pivoted for a 2020 holiday season, community partners and businesses are offering a variety of fun events throughout the Treasure Valley for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Magic 97.9FM is hosting an Idaho Community Christmas Sing-Along the Monday before Christmas. Load the family into your car and park safely at one of the designated locations in Meridian. You can find a location HERE. You can also pre-record a couple of tunes to take part in the Meridian Community Choir, hosted by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce. Channel 2 News will share the collection of videos beginning tomorrow!  

With so many safe activities in such a great community, it’s obvious we don’t have to wear a big red suit or have pointy ears to spread holiday cheer. I encourage everyone to do what you can to keep the Christmas spirit alive in Meridian. I guarantee your actions will brighten someone’s day, be it a friend, neighbor or even a stranger - and might just make them forget about everything else that has happened this past year.   

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays Everyone!