While money continued to be a major challenge for our community, this reporter partook of the island’s many free and blissful activities over the holiday weekend and thought to share a few of them in the “My Marianas” weekly special section.
The joy of PSS
Tanapag Elementary School started the celebration off with a huge pop of merriment on the morning of Dec. 24 with their Christmas program performance.
The turnout was standing room only at the school’s pala-pala and the atmosphere was electric among the children, family and community supporters.
All 194 TES students sang and danced their hearts dressed in holiday costumes and the crowd rewarded them with rapturous applause and whoops of appreciation.
In a continuation of PSS’ holiday celebration the executive staff held a Christmas brunch at the Board of Education building.
Much to the delight and surprise of attendees Commissioner of Education Rita A. Sablan rallied all those in red to form an impromptu choir and led them in a Christmas carol to kick off the occasion.
Sablan finished with a thank you to the PSS staff for their dedication, hard work and long hours during the last year and challenged them to carry the same commitment into the New Year.
The joy of strangers
This reporter’s next stop included a brain-rattling trek up Mt. Tapochao Road for the island’s most spectacular holiday vista.
The tourist spot was a buzz with a large group of Chinese travelers from Shanghai.
“Merry Christmas!” one older woman enthusiastically called out as we passed on the stairs leading up to the summit.
In another sign of Christmas spirit, a younger Chinese visitor approached, pointed toward the statue of Jesus, and commented in near-perfect English, “A blessed day is Christmas.”
The joy of friends and family
The last celebration of the day required only a quick descent to the island’s highest home perched on a hill with a magnificent 360-degree view of Saipan.
David Baines and family’s annual Christmas lunch not only fed the guests until bursting but provided a feast for the senses as well.
From the picnic table at the lawn’s edge, it felt as if one was floating above the island among the angels, a fitting sensation at Christmas.
As sunset snuck up on the guests nearly everyone remarked on their great fortune of experiencing Christmas in the clouds on a clear, beautifully sunny day with an infinite view over the horizon and the possibilities that await in the New Year.
To everyone who wrapped this reporter in the holiday spirit of giving and friendship I offer my sincerest thank you and appreciation.
As our community transitions into 2012, let us strive to carry forward that spirit of support and encouragement for one another even as circumstances continue to challenge our islands and pocketbooks.
