by Ammie Bryant

In this final issue of a long and strange year we share stories from throughout the community–just as we always have. In a year like none other in our memory, we are grateful to have been able to continue sharing these community stories with our readers every month. We are especially thankful for the advertisers who have stuck with us through these difficult times.  

This month we have a story about donating a bit of “holiday cheer” to those in our community who have suffered from isolation throughout this pandemic. We have a story about a local organization and business giving to the youths who are our future tradespeople. We are also delighted to share a story about shining the light on a civil rights pioneer at OAMC/OSU. For those readers who are novice cooks, we have stories about food safety to help you with your food preparation during this holiday season. And Karyl Henry has shared another beautiful and tasty recipe to use up those holiday leftovers. 

I don’t normally like to “rerun” stories, but this month, I’m making an exception with one of our most popular history articles. In this issue, we take a look back at “Stillwater’s First Christmas” with a reprint from the December 2014 issue of Stillwater Living.  I wrote this story and it was first printed before my husband and I purchased Stillwater Living Magazine, back when I was still the director of the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar.  I hope you enjoy reading it and imagining what it must have been like to be in this place when it was mostly treeless, windswept prairie.  

Until next time, onward!