Title: The Christmas Spirit Observed in Dollywood
Author: Joshua Hodge
Date Published: Dec. 12, 2023
Category: Family Visits
Setting the Scene
There’s nothing like the Christmas season at Dollywood. Every year I’m drawn back to this gem. So tastefully put together, with the Christmas lights galore, heartfelt theater performances, and the melodious Christmas songs trailing through the Smoky Mountains, it really puts me in the Christmas spirit.
Last year, as a Dollywood Insider, I wrote about how Dollywood has changed my view of Santa Claus, how in the park Santa Claus is portrayed as an embodiment of the Christmas spirit of kindness and generosity. I would challenge my readers to look for and embody that Christmas spirit themselves, or as I put it, “to be more Santa Claus.”
Shortly after writing that piece, I was back in Dollywood again for the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. During this visit, I witnessed a gesture of kindness displayed that was so satisfying and warming to my Christmas spirit, that it's all so worth sharing. I also heard a chaplain message which helped put everything in perspective.
The Boy and the Hoodie
Like most of the guests, I was boarding the Dollywood tram to take me from my parking spot to the entrance of the park. It was a damp, cold winter morning. Any warmth of the sun was hiding behind blankets of clouds. I had my layers on, so I was prepared, but there was a young teenager who sat a few seats down from me who did not have layers, but just a mere t-shirt. He had his arms wrapped around himself, trying to conserve any warmth he had. A woman sitting a row behind him spoke up.
“Do you not have a coat?”
The boy shook his head.
“You look cold. Can I buy you a hoodie?”
The boy smiled, probably slightly embarrassed. I sensed he wasn’t quite sure if he should take her up on the offer.
“I insist,” said the lady “When this tram stops, and we get in the park, follow me into the Emporium. I will buy you a hoodie. I want to.”
It was evident these people did not know each other, and this act of kindness by this lady was exactly what I meant when I said “be more Santa Claus.” She could have just been concerned about herself and the people she was with, thinking about the day ahead and planning her time in the park, but she was aware of her surroundings, and selflessly extended a gift of kindness to a stranger. I loved this and was moved by this. I began to wonder what additional acts of kindness could I observe, and if I too could extend this kindness to another.
The Chaplain and his Message
Every Sunday in Dollywood there is a nondenominational chapel service in the rustic Robert F. Thomas Chapel. This was the first time I attended, and I was greatly encouraged by the great variety of people gathered here to humbly recognize the true source of Christmas.
The chaplain asked for volunteers to assemble a choir. We sang traditional Christmas hymns together, and then he proceeded to share his message. He spoke about the season of advent and upon the true hope we have at Christmas through Jesus Christ. He brought to light how Jesus was born into an ordinary day at the time. There were no special proceedings. For many it was a humdrum ordinary day. People were about their business, such as the shepherds out attending to their flocks—a day in the life. To their great surprise, suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and then a multitude, sharing the good news of Christ's birth. The chaplain then challenged the attendees, sharing with them that in these ordinary days in winter, and even in the dark seasons of our lives, Christ can show up and change everything. We need to open our hearts to him and receive the hope found in Christ.
I had never pondered before, how Jesus simply showed up to this world on an ordinary day, and it had me thinking about how we don’t need any special day to extend our own acts of kindness and generosity to others. We can model Christ’s example by showing up and surprising others in the ordinary days of life. It does not have to be Christmas or a special event.
Like the lady on the tram, we need to harness that Christmas spirit and be on the lookout for ways to extend these acts of kindness and generosity to one another all the time. The Christmas season can be a great time to get in the practice of being alert and seeking these opportunities. May we develop this practice and carry it with us throughout the year. If we accept the love that was given to us through Christ, as the chaplain challenged, and extend it to others, I believe we will find the world a better place! As Dolly Parton sings in her song, “I Still Believe” from her A Holly Dolly (Deluxe Edition) Christmas album,
“…I believe there are good deeds to be sowed
Nurtured with love to make them grow
I believe faith can heal our bodies, minds and souls”
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” -Luke 2:13-14
