2007 CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

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Season’s Blessings in Disguise……
by Denise McLoughlin

Tampico residents refused to let a nasty ice-storm keep them from their annual holiday celebration of Christmas in the Country

The Christmas in the Country committee wanted something extra special this year. Something that would pull people through the town, to enjoy the beauty of the newly restored Reagan Park, and to have something that would appeal to all age groups and still bring them all together to socialize and wish their neighbors  the joys of the season.

Luminaries would light the way down Main Street, leading  folks to Reagan Park where they would enjoy Christmas carols and hot cocoa and cookies served by the new Gazebo. There would be a  live nativity scene in the south yard by Dr. Shah’s office. Later, a pinata would be broken by area children near the Community Building outside and afterward the new Royalty would be drawn and Santa would be escorted into town in a fire truck! The old and new reigning Royalty would be treated to a ride around the block with Santa,  then back to the Community Building where the children could visit with him and tell of their wishes for the season.

It was disappointing to see the weather change by the hour, getting colder, darker and wetter as the morning passed. As the freezing rain turned to sheets of ice on the roads, it seemed the day’s festivities were doomed. I had almost forgotten what a tough little town Tampico is. History has proven that fires and tornadoes couldn’t keep her down, so surely a little cold and ice wouldn’t dampen her enthusiasm for the season. The town rallied and quickly set up the Community Building to accommodate all of the activities planned for the day. Singers from the Baptist and Methodist churches sang carols inside, while Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus and shepherds settled snuggly (and warmly) in another corner of the room. One would almost think that was a stifled smile on Joseph’s face. Was it simply the loving face of seeing the newborn Christ child, or a silent “thank you” for the warmth of the Community Building verses the blistering cold in the park? ‘Tis the season. . . .