So This Is Christmas: Spreading the 573 Christmas Spirit
- Thomas Smugala
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
"So this is Christmas. And what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun. And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun. The near and the dear one, the old and the young. A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear. And so this is Christmas. For weak and for strong, for rich and the poor ones, the world is so wrong. And so happy Christmas, for black and for white, for yellow and red ones, let's stop all the fight..." -John Lennon.
So what does Christmas truly mean? To me, it is a religious celebration that is kept alive by the magic of the Christmas Spirit. It is the time of year when we learn, at a tender young age, to be on our best behavior, which then leads us to focus on others and spread peace, love, comfort, and joy to those around us. When you take those opportunities with a giving heart and a glad soul, that's where you'll find the true Christmas Spirit.
To many, Christmas is family and the beautiful memories of a decorated home, an oven-warmed house with parents busy cooking up a feast, the wide-eyed wonderment and joyful sound of giggling children. The smells of apple pie, baked ham, and fresh-baked cookies waft through the air, the sparkling Christmas tree shading dozens of perfectly wrapped presents we eagerly await to give, and the anticipation of what is in the one marked for us... all spark the magic of Christmas.
In the spirit of giving, and with the hope of spreading a little Christmas cheer to all of you—our friends, family, and neighbors—573 Magazine is excited to share a couple of timeless, kid-friendly, and adult-approved FREE activities that are sure to bring a very Merry Christmas to one and all!
So This Is Christmas 573 Style:
PLAY IN THE SNOW
Today, as I write this, the snow has melted, but we are in Missouri, and tomorrow it just might arrive for all we know. Get Out There! Bundle up, laugh, giggle, and be amazed by the beauty of the snow that glistens when the sunlight hits it. Or go for a late-night walk when all is calm and bright! Show the kids how to sled ride. By the way, you don't have to have a sled to have a fun ride, especially as a little tike. Have a snowball fight and make a snow angel. There's nothing more special to a kid than a snow day!
BAKE COOKIES
SNICKERDOODLES
Your presence means more to your child than your presents. Of course, they want the coolest, latest toy right now, but in the end, the toys come and go, but the relationship you developed with them, and the memories you share, will mean more than any toy you can buy. An afternoon of baking and eating the profits will bring joy and excitement, and giving some away will help them learn the Christmas Spirit.
ROLL-OUT COOKIE-CUTTER SUGAR COOKIES! And watch the expressions on your little one's face. (Priceless!) Click here for recipes.
Roll out the dough...
Cut out cookies using cookie cutters, cups, or whatever...
Place cookies on a baking sheet. Decorate. Bake. Eat!
GET OUT THERE!
Yep! Here we go again! Get off the sunken sofa, put down the phone, and socialize. There really are no excuses. The 573 has the best communities, and there's FREE stuff to do for both the young and the young at heart! Here are just a few, though there are many more.
CHRISTMAS COUNTRY CHURCH TOUR in PERRY COUNTY
One of Missouri’s most beloved Christmas traditions: the Christmas Country Church Tour! During this event, dozens of century-old churches across Southeast Missouri open their doors to invite visitors to stop by and celebrate the season through this self-guided, free tour. Enjoy Christmas music, complimentary refreshments, stunning decorations, and live performances while you explore some of Missouri’s oldest and most beautiful churches. Each church is unique. Click here to learn more!
WINTER WONDERLAND in FARMINGTON
Winter Wonderland! Gather your loved ones and make memories in this cozy and enchanting setting. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, see the spectacularly detailed train set, and let the kids come tell Santa what’s on their Christmas wish list before the big day! Click here to learn more!
CAPE COUNTY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Cape Girardeau County Park’s light display began in 1987 as a cooperative effort between the Cape Girardeau County Park Board, the County Commission, and the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. The idea was to provide a location for citizens of Cape County to collectively decorate with holiday lights. The Light Display brings folks from all over the county together to contribute to each display and later enjoy the collected whole. Click here to learn more!
CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS in BONNE TERRE
A Drive Through Light Display Stone Park's drive-through holiday lights display is underway again this year. What a great tradition to celebrate the holiday season! The scenic drive through light display features over a million lights and more than 100 holiday-themed light displays. A word to the wise, this is NOT a free event. Click here to learn more!
Happy Holidays 573!
GET OUT THERE! Take a winter hike! Enjoy all that the 573 has to offer...good people, great places, and a whole lot of passion! Soak it up and pass on the Christmas Spirit!
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