What comes to mind when you close your eyes and remember your first December in Central Oregon? We’ve all got that one memory—warm enough to melt the frostiest rime and so full of holiday magic it still lifts your spirits today. It’s likely it wasn’t because of tinsel, presents or even a visit from Santa and his reindeer (okay, maybe Santa gets some credit). True holiday magic comes from gathering. In this darkest month of the year, real-life connections light us up. Gathering elevates us, grounds us, and fills us with joy. It reminds us that we belong here. [Photo above by Arian Stevens]
Gather to Nurture Body and Soul
The region’s culture and landscape make it a natural place to congregate. This is true even in this season of short days and colder weather. Bendites know to shrug off the temperatures. They bundle up rather than isolate indoors. We organize Friendsgiving potlucks with new acquaintances who become chosen clans. We invite a new neighbor on a trek into the snowy woods to find the perfect fir. This tradition will connect them to this place forever. We meet long-time friends on the ski trails. We stop at the warming hut’s fire to laugh and reminisce.
These are more than fleeting feel-good moments. The simple act of coming together benefits both physical and mental health. This is according to Kelli Singer, a functional medicine health coach in Bend. “Spending time with others releases oxytocin, often called the love hormone, and dopamine,” she said. Dopamine is the brain-boosting hormone. “Human connection is calming. It lowers stress and inflammation.”
No matter how people choose to celebrate holidays, gathering is at the core of most traditions and rituals. Meeting around holiday meals is especially powerful, according to Singer.
“Food is the bond all people use to celebrate,” she said. “Sharing meals instills a sense that we belong to something bigger than ourselves alone.”
Gather to Embrace Community
Long-time locals and new transplants agree the Central Oregon community is vibrant and valuable. Fully engaging in life here means taking part in local events. It means expanding our social circle. It also means giving back by sharing our time and talents.
Joining Bend’s holiday celebrations is easy. The hard part is fitting all the cheer into a busy calendar. Find a tree-lighting ceremony in cities across Central Oregon. This includes the impressive Grand Illumination at Sunriver Resort on November 22 to kick off the season. See Santa, high school marching bands, and local business floats. They will all be in the Bend Christmas Parade on December 6. This is a tradition for more than 40 years. String twinkling lights on a kayak and paddle the Deschutes River during the Holiday Lights Paddle Parade on December 12.
Creating community can be as simple as connecting with neighbors. Giving back through volunteering helps make the holidays more meaningful. Local organizations depend on volunteer help to accomplish their missions.
“The energy and generosity of our volunteers make it possible for people to share a meal in a friendly, welcoming place,” said Clara Patt. She is the volunteer director at the Family Kitchen in Bend.
Family Kitchen serves more than 12,000 free meals each month in Central Oregon. They rely on volunteers for cooking and serving. “Their work bridges social and class divides. I’m constantly awed by the people who give so much,” Patt said. They ensure all their neighbors can have a proper meal every day. In return, volunteers gain the camaraderie of a team. They also get the satisfaction of making a difference in another person’s life.
Gather to Appreciate Each Moment
Being present is a thread of appreciation that runs through gatherings of all kinds. It’s a mindset that takes intention. It begins before the holiday whirlwind ramps up. Engaging with the people around us helps us to fully enjoy each experience.
Singer suggests strategies for staying centered, calm, and focused. These include yoga, meditation, and breathwork.
“By practicing grounding ahead of the holidays, you can become more resilient to stress,” Singer said. In the season of jam-packed calendars and to-do lists that rival Santa’s, gathering can mean simplifying. “And not every gathering is easy,” she added. “Some are very challenging. In difficult moments, step away to breathe. Check in with your body. Engage your senses to calm down.”
The more a person practices self-care, the easier it becomes to return to your center. Singer suggests shrinking your to-do list. Slow your pace. Shift the focus to what brings the most joy.
Taking the time for self-care helps us to be present for magical moments. These moments remind us why we’re here. Collecting up those moments may be the best gift we could ever give ourselves.
See our event calendar here for chances to get involved in community, no matter what time of year. | Where to Find the Best Holiday Markets Around Bend
