The Unique Magic of a Solon Christmas
There is a specific kind of quiet that falls over Eastern Iowa in December. It is not just the silence of snow blanketing the cornfields outside of town or the stillness of Lake Macbride under a layer of ice. It is a feeling of pausing. After a busy harvest and a bustling year, the world seems to take a deep breath. Here in Solon, Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it is a reminder of why we choose to call this place home.
If you have lived here long enough, you know the rhythm. The days get short, the wind picks up, and we retreat indoors. But as the temperatures drop, the warmth of our community seems to rise. A small-town Christmas is less about the hustle of the big city shopping malls and more about the connection we share with the people right next door.
Lights on Main Street
One of the best parts of the season is simply driving down Main Street after the sun goes down. There is something timeless about seeing wreaths on the lampposts and the glow of holiday lights reflecting on the storefront windows. It feels familiar. It feels safe.
In a town the size of Solon, you cannot walk into a local business or attend a school concert without running into someone you know. That is the beauty of it. The holiday season here is a reunion of sorts. It is bumping into old friends at the grocery store, waving to neighbors as you shovel driveways, and seeing the excitement in the eyes of local kids as they count down the days until Santa arrives. These small interactions weave the fabric of our town.
The Season of “Iowa Nice”
We often joke about “Iowa Nice,” but during Christmas, we see it in action. It is the season where the casseroles come out, the sidewalks get cleared for elderly neighbors, and we pay a little more attention to those who might be struggling. In a tight-knit community, nobody is invisible.
This spirit of looking out for one another is what defines Solon. We celebrate our victories together, like a big win for the Spartans, and we support each other through the harder times. Christmas amplifies that instinct. It reminds us that our greatest asset isn’t the buildings or the land, but the people who live here.
Traditions That Ground Us
Every family in Solon has their own traditions. Maybe it is the annual drive to see the best light displays in the county, the Christmas Eve service at a local church, or simply gathering around a fireplace to watch the snow fall. These rituals ground us.
In a world that moves incredibly fast, our small-town traditions offer a sense of continuity. They connect us to the generations that lived here before us—the people who built this town and established the values we still hold dear today. When we celebrate Christmas here, we are participating in a story much larger than ourselves.
Carrying the Spirit Into the New Year
At the Solon Area Community Foundation, we are privileged to witness this community spirit all year round, but it shines brightest in December. We see it in the volunteers who organize local events, the teachers who go the extra mile for their students, and the residents who quietly support local causes without asking for recognition.
While this is the season of giving, it is also the season of gratitude. We are incredibly thankful to be part of a town that cares so deeply. As you enjoy your holidays—whether you are hosting a chaotic family dinner or enjoying a peaceful evening at home—we hope you take a moment to appreciate the unique charm of spending Christmas in Solon.
If you do feel moved to share some of your holiday abundance with the community this year, we are always here to help guide that generosity. But more than anything, we want to wish you a season filled with peace, warmth, and the joy of being exactly where you are.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas Solon.