As you read this, chances are you’ve already taken down your Christmas decorations and stored away your tree, possibly feeling a bit weary of all things Christmas until next year. However, indulge me as I share one last Christmas tale.

There was a time when the idea of going undercover as a journalist intrigued me. Imagine my excitement when I seized the opportunity to do just that for last month’s cover story about Christmas at Cross Orchards.

It started off just like any other assignment. Our writer, Colleen, pitched a fantastic story about Cross Orchards volunteers at Christmastime, featuring her stepfather, Gerald, who dresses up every year as Santa. 

I looped her in the conversation about arranging a photoshoot for the article, and shortly after, she called me with an interesting twist. 

“Here’s the thing…I wrote the article without letting Gerald know about it. We want him to discover it when he receives his BEACON in the mail and be pleasantly surprised.”

So, how were we going to take photos of a man in a Santa suit without him knowing what it was for?

“Mom will know what to do. I’ll call you back,” Colleen said.

Given the proximity of Cross Orchards to our Grand Junction office, I hopped into my car and headed to the historic farm, wondering if Matt Darling, the museum’s curator, could help us.

Colleen called back and told me that her mom, Mary (another Cross Orchards volunteer), was willing to tell any white lie to entice him to the farm for the photoshoot. I imagine that convincing Gerald, with his benevolent nature, to participate in a promotional shoot at the museum didn’t require much persuasion, even though we were interrupting his rest before his overnight shift as a truck driver. 

Everything went off without a hitch! Gerald was a good sport, completely unsuspecting as he, Mary and I strolled around the farm with him donned in a Santa suit.

Colleen and Mary both sent me updates, detailing Gerald’s surprise upon receiving the December issue. 

“The subterfuge worked!” Colleen exclaimed.

Witnessing the positive impact our work has on local seniors and being a part of creating such memorable experiences for our readers truly makes my work meaningful. Reflecting on the 2023 issues with 2024 stretching before me, I am deeply grateful for the contributions of all the seniors who have written for us and graced the pages of the BEACON this year. 

As we look at planning stories for the new year, I’d love to hear from you! What do you love most about the BEACON? Which stories resonate with you? What topics would you like to see more of? Let me know: [email protected].

THE RESULTS ARE IN

The BEACON Best awards represents an elite group of your most loved businesses who stand above the rest in terms of extraordinary customer service. This select group also includes some of your favorite activities and pastimes, slowing us to share your recommendations with fellow seniors.

Did you vote for the BEACON Best? If so, we may be contacting you in the coming weeks if you won a gift card to one of your favorite businesses or hot spots on the Western Slope. 

Keep an eye out for your name in next month’s edition of the BEACON, alongside those local businesses that BEACON readers have deemed outstanding.