It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

These past events have been a BLAST to say the least! I've loved being able to ring in the Christmas Season with the royalty and Orem City!

 First there was the "Lighting of the Riverwoods" on Friday the 13th! McCall, Daisy, Kapri, Miss Provo, and I, all broke hundreds of glo-sticks and handed them out to kids who were present at the event.

After that, we all got together and danced to the music provided by an exceptionally talented gospel choir. We spun around in circles dancing with kids, and took turns in making up dance moves and copying each other.

 Then we got to be on the gazebo for the countdown to light the Riverwoods. I had never been to the lighting before, and so watching all the lights turn on at once is a pretty magical experience.

On Monday the 23rd, the royalty and I attended the "Lights On!" event at the Orem City Center. The Northridge Children's Choir sang a few Christmas songs, and then the royalty and I sang "Silver Bells." We were a little nervous because there were so many people in the crowd, and we didn't want to go viral in a video entitled, "Silver Bells Gone Wrong!" But it turned out just fine!!

This sweet girl turned on the lights for all of Orem. We were so lucky to have her there!

Having Donna Brayton and the Mayor there made for a great night. They hold this City together!

Following the lights, we were able to mingle with a lot of kids and adults from Orem while they waited in line to see Santa Claus. It was great talking to them about what they wanted for Christmas and how they liked the "Lights On!" event.

What's really cool is when kids will recognize me and say, "Hey! It's you again!" and I remember them too. It's really great knowing that we're not just seeing people for a short time, but we're actually developing friendships!

On November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving, Jacki, Kapri, and I all attended Santa's arrival at the University Mall. Let me tell you, Orem citizens are made of something else because it was unbelievably cold... and still they waited for Santa with no complaint!

The girls and I had to run into Costa Vida to keep warm, but we didn't care because it was 100% worth it!

Miss Inspiration Donna Brayton was also there and greeting everyone. She is always in such high spirits no matter what her call of duty is.

Not only did Santa show up, but several Disney princesses and Marvel superheroes did too! I couldn't pass up an opportunity to get a picture with my two favorite super heroes at the same time.

Santa certainly lived up to his reputation as a "Jolly Old Elf" and was kind enough to stop for a quick photo with us.

For this Christmas Season, I am so grateful for what Christmas actually signifies. It signifies the birth of Jesus Christ and the peace, joy, love, and compassion he brought into the world. I'm grateful for his life and service, and that at this time of year we have the opportunity to replicate it to a degree.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Jesse Craig
Miss Orem 2015-2016