This past week I did something I hadn’t done since eighth grade by being one of the performers in a Nativity program.

I portrayed one of the Wisemen. I had a gown, a cardboard crown and a gift for baby Jesus. It was the 10th year that Boulder Estates has done a nativity program for residents and the public.

A minister, Pastor Nathan Delich of First Baptist Church near Marshall, narrated the scriptures and spoke about the readings. All the actors had to do was march in and sit in the nativity area.

First came Mary and Joseph followed by Angel Gabriel. The audience was told how Gabriel came to Mary and then to Joseph in dreams to tell them about their special roles as the mother and foster father of Jesus. The trio were then joined by four other angels and three shepherds.

The Wisemen came in near the middle of the program. A reading told of their journey from the East which was guided by a bright star.

Nativity scenes are special. They tell a story that is simple and yet profound. It’s a humble story about a baby born in a stable who would someday be king of the Jews.

Playing a role was good for me this year. I also participated in five Boulder Estates choir performances. I enjoy helping people celebrate Christmas.

It’s the first year I’ll have Christmas without a parent since my mother passed away in September. It brings memories of Christmas into a sharper focus.

Mom always liked holiday baking. Two years ago we went to my aunt and uncle’s house in Minneota to help with frosting the Christmas cookies. Mom and I enjoyed it. It was last of many December occasions when she was part of a baking process.

Decorating the Christmas tree was equally special. We had a little of everything, more than just one color scheme or type of ornaments.

We had holiday lights in both the front and back yards. We never went all out on the lights. Instead we put up just enough to make it colorful, to brighten the long, dark December evenings.

I remember many of the gifts I opened. For several years a had a fairly detailed model railroad in the basement. Often I’d get at least one game. We’d also get plenty of books, the start of a home library which still continues.

I’m grateful to mom and dad for providing so many wonderful Christmas celebrations. The tradition still continues with my sister’s family.

I found gifts this year for all of the family members, special ones that they wouldn’t go out and buy on their own.

The holiday season went very fast. I was going to watch my entire collection of Christmas DVD’s; four movies, 11 classic television shows and about 20 short Christmas specials. I might still be able to watch it all before New Year’s Day.

One of the things Christmas 2025 has taught me is that the holidays should be spent with people. I could have held back this year, not done the Nativity and all the choir performances. I’d have missed out. The events made it truly seem like Christmas.

I suppose there are people who honestly like to be alone. I’m not one of them. I need to be surrounded by holiday music, food, family and friends.

I feel sorry for people who have to be alone at Christmas. I’ve noticed that a few families have even started celebrating the family Christmas at Thanksgiving. That might be a little early, but I suppose it’s understandable if it’s the only way to be together.

Whenever a family meets for the holidays I hope it’s a special time. I hope no one sees it as a burden, as something that has to be done just because it’s a tradition.

Every Christmas celebration should lead to new memories. It should lead to stories of grandparents and great grandparents told to younger family members.

Christmas wouldn’t be special if the celebrating dragged out longer into January and February. After December it’s time to move onward. We should treasure our holiday experiences and look forward to doing it again in 2026.

— Jim Muchlinski is a longtime reporter and contributor to the Marshall Independent