The temperatures dropped quickly in Window Rock, Ariz., but that didn’t deter guests from gathering at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park for the Christmas tree lighting and parade on Dec. 11.
The event was hosted by the Office of the President and Vice President and featured a lineup of decorated Christmas trees along the walkways of the memorial park. Various Navajo Nation Divisions set up booths with free goodies and information about their services in the parking lot, where guests could also get hot drinks to warm themselves up.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren welcomed the crowd to the event and shared his sentiments on the importance of the holiday season.
“This is about you, this is about community, kinship, to be there for one another [and] support each other,” Nygren said. “I want to ahe’hee for being a good uncle, a good chei, nali, a good grandma, mom, dad, and a relative that speaks to our little ones with k’e and love. Show them you have kindness in your heart each and every day so they grow up to be strong, independent people who will love their family, their community, and their nation.”
The 35-foot Christmas tree that sits decorated in the memorial park was transported from the Lukachukai Mountains, according to OPVP. The tree stands as “a symbol of the community’s strength, resilience, and the beauty of our lands.”
Nygren told the crowd that more attractions would be set up at the tree site in the coming days, including a skating rink similar to the one that was set up last year. These provide a chance for gatherings during a season full of them, he said.
A number of youngsters in the crowd were invited up to the main stage with Nygren and then counted down in Navajo before hitting the switch to light the tree up to the applause of the crowd.
The guests then flocked to the nearby streets to glimpse the decorated vehicles drive past the Navajo Nation Council Chamber, OPVP main office, and Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency. The parade vehicles also tossed out candy and blasted holiday tunes to the onlookers.
Nygren concluded his remarks by reminding everyone to support each other and to keep their faith front and center.
“Be sure you pray for one another," he said. "There are many ways to pray during the holiday season. We’re a praying people. Continue to be there for one another."
