Holiday Time

Yesterday was the first time in a long time that the bus left with a full load of guests and came back up with a full load. The winter holiday season is upon us. What a trip it is for these people who have put Holden Village in their lives this Christmas season.

We began with a wedding on Saturday, Dave (the high school teacher) married Mary (the lead cook). Friends and family from all over ventured through crowded airports to very icy roads and passes, to a small town to wait for a boat to take them to one of the most remote places in the US. Needless to say we greeted a bus full of very tired, wide eyed people on Friday. A few hot meals and some sleep and they were ready for the wedding.

The night of the wedding was magical, with fresh snow falling, as the entire village walked from chalet to chalet calling each of the wedding party out with song and bells. Many there had never walked at night in the snowy cold. The beauty of it captivated everyone.

Some left the next day while others stayed to sled and ski or just enjoy each other. Today we begin two weeks of Christmas and New Years magic, with great food, worship and tons of activities. Last night there was a candle lit ski trail for those who wanted to venture out. Art and I were both suddenly tired and went to our chalet to read and head to bed early.

Matt and Tracy arrive on Wednesday, if the roads are clear, and we share our family Christmas with many others in our mountain retreat. I do hope that all of you take time to step outside and breath the fresh cold air and remember your loved friends and loved ones. We miss many of you and we wish you all a wonderful Christmas time.