Winter can feel long and busy, but each year our family looks forward to a few special escapes that make the season feel magical. One of our absolute favorites is driving through Keokuk’s City of Christmas, a breathtaking display winding through Rand Park with 150 glowing scenes. One of the top light displays in the nation, it is a tradition we never take for granted.
Just a short drive from our home in Hamilton, we usually visit several times each season. The kids insist on exploring both paths after the entrance so we can soak in every twinkle and sparkle. There is something about those lights that fills the car with both excitement and peace all at once.
We bring a few treats and warm drink to share as we drive slowly through the glowing paths. Their voices fill the car with “oohs” and “ahhs” and we tune the radio to the park’s dedicated holiday station so the lights seem to dance along to the music. Sometimes we roll the windows down for a moment to breathe in the crisp winter air and feel a little more part of the magic.
Last year, the kids spotted a couple of young voices singing carols from a window as we passed by. Ever since, they have softly sung along as we drive through, making it a small, sacred ritual. Sitting there with the glow of the lights dancing around their faces, I am reminded that joy does not need to be grand or far away. Sometimes it is found right here, in the stillness between songs and laughter. Even amid the buzz of excitement in the car, I catch myself just breathing it all in, grateful for these little moments of wonder that make the busy season feel lighter.
After Christmas, when the snow piles high and the holiday lights are gone, we love a different kind of adventure, an indoor one. A visit to Scotties Fun Spot is always a hit, giving the kids a chance to run, explore, and laugh while we stay warm. What makes it special is not just the activities but how we get to share them together.
I love watching their faces light up as they glide across the skating rink or cheer each other on during a game of laser tag. Sometimes we join in, skating hand in hand or playfully competing against each other, and in those moments, I feel like a kid again. There is something magical about letting go, laughing together, and connecting in ways that go beyond words.
Even in the quieter moments, sharing a slice of pizza, celebrating a strike in bowling, or laughing at the claw machine antics, I see the joy in simple experiences. These are the memories the kids carry with them and the ones I hold close, reminders that fun, connection, and presence matter more than anything on a to-do list.
We usually wrap up the day with a cozy treat on the way home, tired but smiling, thankful for another chance to play and connect. Whether it is the sparkle of the City of Christmas or an afternoon of laughter indoors, these simple escapes remind us that the best adventures are not about where we go, but how we spend that time together. Each one becomes a gentle reminder to slow down, connect, and savor the beauty of the season, one joyful memory at a time.
Submitted by Board Member Sarah Clark