Guests brave the cold to see 30-foot-tall Christmas tree
The weather was not too frightful, but the mood was delightful in Window Rock, Arizona as crowds gathered for the Christmas light parade and tree lighting Dec. 14.
The event, hosted by the Office of the President and Vice President at Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park, drew residents and visitors to the roadsides to witness a lineup of dazzling, decorated vehicles drive past the Navajo Nation Council Chamber, the OPVP main office, and Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency.
Parade floats were decorated by various Navajo Nation departments and agencies including Navajo Nation Fire & Rescue and the Nygren-Montoya Administration. Treats were tossed out to the crowd as staff ushered in the holiday festivities.
After the parade ended, guests flocked to the lot outside Veterans Memorial Park where President Buu Nygren welcomed the crowd to the Christmas tree lighting.
“One of the things I appreciate every year is Christmas celebrations because this is a time and place where our family and relatives can come together, celebrate, feel good,” Nygren said. “Around this time, I always tend to feel very thankful and grateful no matter how tough things may be. It’s one of those things where we get excited about coming together.”
Booths set up by Navajo Nation divisions in the lot handed out program information, free gifts and toys for youth, free snacks including cookies and hot chocolate, and set up spaces for skating and viewing the decorations.
The centerpiece of the event was the 30-foot tall cork pine tree that was decorated by OPVP staff with lights and ornaments prior to the event. After the clock struck 7 pm, the crowd counted down as Nygren flipped the switch and illuminated the tree with swirling colors of lights. Guests showed their enthusiasm with cheers and applause as the rest of the displays in Veterans Memorial Park lit up as well.
A chorus from Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, Arizona, led the crowd in singing Christmas carols as the crowd dispersed to see the displays and line up for drinks to warm up. Visitors got to take their photo with special guests including the Grinch, SpongeBob and Patrick, and Santa Claus himself.
Nygren thanked the Navajo Nation employees for their dedication and enthusiasm for the event as the night went on and the temperatures dropped.
“[Navajo Nation staff] were here late last night and here all evening to make sure this is a time to remember and I want to keep this tradition alive,” Nygren said. “Let’s continue to grow it, let’s pack it all the way to the building and make it fun throughout the years.”
By Cody Begaye
Contributing Editor
