Our favorite tradition

We recently ventured north for one of our favorite Christmas experiences. Branson’s Dixie Stampede offers a festive holiday dinner and show for all ages. Included is a live rodeo competition, a Nutcracker snippet, a living Nativity and, yes, even a visit from Santa himself. Oh, and let’s not forget the four-course dinner.

I enjoy the anxious anticipation in our children’s eyes as we wait to enter the arena. With two boys and two girls, you may expect some sibling bickering for the better seats, but no, not during Christmastime. All are on their best behavior. When dinner is served, they all glance toward my wife and me seeking approval to drink soup from the bowl. (No eating utensils are served at The Stampede!) My soup-slurping assures them that this is OK.

When the rodeo capers commence, the oohs and aahs grow louder as the horses and their riders perform impressively choreographed stunts. As the North versus South Pole competition intensifies, our kids are as loud as any when it comes time to, in lieu of applause, kick the front baseboard. (Remember, we have no eating utensils, so our hands are full of rotisserie chicken and corn on the cob.)

Throughout this magical experience, the sheer joy shared by our entire family warms my heart. (As does the cheddar biscuit and herb-basted potato.) During the audience participation contest of Candy Cane pass-a-long, our kids are as competitive as any serious athlete. Their desire to win is only exceeded by the size of their grins.

For over 20 years, we’ve often made this trek. This year, our “kids” range in age from 17 to 25 years. And the delight in their faces hasn’t faded one bit. It is a favorite Christmas tradition. PAUL STRACK

Maumelle