Community members share their holiday stories

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - Christmas, Hanukkah, and the rest of the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day means many things to many people. Everyone adds to their own stories each day, whether it's a quick entry or a whole chapter. When asked what their favorite stories, dreams and wishes are about the holidays, the following locals shared:

Todd Cutler, superintendent of LTUSD: Growing up in Lake Tahoe was amazing and the holiday season never disappointed. However, as a child, I don't think I understood how special a place it really was to grow up and just how different and magical the season of giving is here in the basin. I think I may have taken it for granted, but once I left after high school I soon realized how magical the holiday season is here in the great Sierra Mountains. Like the song "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", I could count on this winter wonderland to provide all the wonders of the season. During this holiday season, I reflect on all the good things I have in my life and how fortunate I am to have returned to South Lake Tahoe. During this holiday season, I am looking forward to spending quality time with my family. Also, I think of how grateful I am to have the opportunity to be the Superintendent of Lake Tahoe USD. I feel so honored and it is an extreme pleasure to work with our community, partners, parents, staff, and especially our students. I hope the holidays bring everyone relaxation, peace, joy, and a bit of magic to all. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Chelcee Thomas, executive director Live Violence Free: As we gather in the spirit of unity and compassion this holiday season, my wish is for our community to embrace a renewed sense of empathy and kindness. May this holiday season inspire us to work alongside each other, fostering a brighter future for all. Together, let's cultivate a community of kindness, understanding, and resilience, ensuring every member of our community is empowered and thriving. Happy holidays to our incredible community and may that upcoming year be filled with opportunities for positive change and collective growth.

Coach Ryan Wallace: Christmas time is a wrestling coach’s worst nightmare. Right after we finally burn off the Thanksgiving calories, and get into a groove, we get hammered with another holiday centered on sweets and vacations. My Christmas wishes are that none of our wrestlers leave for a vacation, we have perfect attendance, no snow, that visiting alumni come in the room to profess the merits of our teachings to the youngsters, and that I get one of those remote-control cars that can flip upside down and still drive, from Santa.

Peggy Blowney, executive director of Tahoe Arts Project: Every year since I can remember, my family makes tamales as part of our Christmas tradition (see photo above). This is an all-day affair that includes family, friends, wine, and hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps! When word gets out that it is tamale-making day, you never know who will stop by to try their hand at making them. At the heart of this tradition is my mother, the master tamale maker, whose expertise has gracefully passed down to me. The preparation is meticulous - the meat seasoned to perfection, the masa expertly mixed, and the corn husks soaked until they're just right. Once this is done, we are ready to sit down and start making them. As the tamales take shape, we share stories, jokes, and laughter with Christmas carols playing in the background. We are sure to make plenty to give to friends and to freeze for later in the year. In past years, we have made as many as 250 tamales! It usually takes us 4-5 hours to prepare them and at least another two hours to clean up! We enjoy our tamales for our Christmas Eve dinner along with beans, rice, guacamole, and salsa. This tradition is more than just about food; it's a celebration of family, love, the joy of sharing, and the simple joys of being together. As we pass down these traditions to the next generation, we keep the essence of our family's history alive, ensuring that the warmth and unity they bring endure through time. Wishing everyone a season filled with similar joys and traditions – Happy Holidays!

Duane Wallace, CEO of South Lake Tahoe Chamber shares these memories: Christmas of 1958 when I was five years old our family was tight for money. We cut down a small bull pine with just needles on the ends of the branches. We strung popcorn and red berries from a bush to put on the tree. Our father had some aluminum flak from WWII that we used for tinsel. My sister got a doll and I got a cowboy hat (see photo above) and a rubber pop gun. That was about all we got. We were happy. Then went to our cousin's house where they had literally received dozens of presents. I was stunned when I heard one of them whine and say loudly "Is that all?” A light bulb came on in my five-year-old head that they were not grateful for what they had while my sister and I were happy. Lesson learned.

Our father was a minister when I was ten years old. I was so excited for Christ Mad morning. I fell fitfully asleep at a late hour. At about 2 a.m., my sister taped me on the shoulder and woke me up. She said come with me. Let’s open some presents. I followed her to the tree. We each picked the same box. We carefully, quietly opened them. The presents were Bibles!!! We quickly wrapped them up and guiltily snuck back to bed. Another lesson learned.

My Christmas wish is for peace on earth and goodwill towards men.