It would just feel odd with a December 24 print date, if I started this column any other way, than to say Merry Christmas.

Yes, in the year 2025, I still employ my freedom within my column space to share the words which resonate best with me. “Happy Holidays,” just doesn’t fit.

Now please don’t be alarmed, by saying “Merry Christmas,” I am not in any way trying to be disrespectful or convert you in any way (that makes me laugh), but it is the season I celebrate and for me that greeting fits best.

As each of you embark on the coming days (regardless of celebration) I hope that you use the time to take in all that is of blessing in your individual story. Be it large or small, my hope for all our readers and community is that they are able to see the blessings which are uniquely yours.

Among the many blessings we share, I hope you all take a moment to stop by the Julia Haidlen Memorial Ice Skating Rink located in the center of Oakdale. For those not feeling the urge to skate, I have great news, it’s open to everyone. Meaning, you don’t have to pay to get in. You can simply walk right in, grab a hot cocoa, sit in the bleachers to watch and still be part of the magic. And believe me when I say, it is magic.

It has been fun, professionally speaking, to watch it unfold and see the efforts of a handful of ladies bring the team together. So much so, I’ve already shared about it earlier.

Recently though, I’ve had the honor of being at the rink and sharing it with some family members. Seeing it through their eyes for the first time helped me realize, no one should miss this.

My mom was probably the cutest so far.

Every now and again she’ll spend the night and go with me to UCSF the next morning for treatment. When she stays, I tour her around Oakdale to pick up her favorite snacks, candles or grab a bite to eat. A few weeks back I took her by the rink.

As we drove through the center of town and past Wood Park, she oooo’d and ahhhhh’d at the decorations and lights. Turning into the ice rink lot her first words I’ll forever remember.

“Oh, Teresa, you have to write about this,” she said, with large eyes of wonder. “Have you had this in the paper? You need to let everyone know this is here.”

I laugh as I write that. In 23-plus years of doing this job, it is the FIRST time my mom has given me story advice and I love it.

I quickly reassured her I had, then proceeded to give her a VIP tour complete with fun facts as I did. Like most, she marveled at what a beautiful job everyone had done putting the rink together. No detail missed; a true feeling of magic as we meandered through the space.

A few weeks later, I found myself at the rink again and overheard a few skaters talking. It was one of the slower sessions, by way of attendance. The skater marveled at the rink, inquiring if this was an annual thing in Oakdale, quickly followed by “this town is so lucky to have this. I hope they support it.”

The initial sponsorships would say they do. The hope and wish of course, is that attendance will continue to help fund future years of the rink, it’s actually that cool.

Another way readers can participate and be a part of the magic is to volunteer.

Fun fact, the ice rink only employs one person; everyone else you encounter is a volunteer. This is a huge fun fact, as all the monies collected helps fund next year’s rink. It’s simply genius and many in the community have shown up to help.

So if the bleachers aren’t appealing to you, you’re not one for skating but you still long to be a part of it, visit smalltownchristmas.co and pick a shift to volunteer. No experience needed and you are sure to have a good time being a part of the magic.

Now, for those learning for the first time Oakdale has an ice skating rink, where have you been? I joke, but just in case, here are some details you’ll need to know.

The rink is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. From December 26 through January 3, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (December 29 and 30 it’s closed for private parties). Skate sessions are one hour, starting at 10 a.m. and then staggering throughout the day, check website or social media (asmalltownchristmas) for details. It’s open to all ages and prices include skate rental. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

Come January 3, the magic will wrap up and take down will start the following day. Do yourself a favor, don’t be the one person who says, “Oh I heard about that, we never made it.”

Place this magic on your 2025 ‘To Do’ list. I promise you will be amazed and proud at the same time. This committee has outdone itself and this community member is humbly grateful.

Feel free to visit smalltownchristmas.co for all the details and maybe even make a donation for next year.

Merry Christmas.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.