Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season

Not long after I signed on to edit Banning-Beaumont Patch, it was Thanksgiving Day.  There was less than three weeks until the site launched, but I had to tear myself away from compiling our directory to see the Hmong New Year's Festival in Banning's Repplier Park.  In years past, I had traveled to visit family on Turkey Day and always regretted missing the festival.

Despite some truly gnarly weather, it didn't disappoint.  I sampled Hmong sausage and sticky rice and watched some talented children compete in a contest (or at least I think it was—none of the narration was in English).  It was a great new way to kick off the holiday season, 10 times more interesting than a Macy's parade on t.v.

As I rolled around Banning and Beaumont chasing the news, I'd try to reserve a few minutes to grab shots of holiday displays.  I wasn't after "the best of" or the most gaudy;  I just wanted a nice sample of what the communities had to offer.  My experience has been that Banning and Beaumont offer a lot more than most media outlets realize.

Merry Christmas, Christians, and here's hoping that everybody is enjoying the holiday season!