Christmas in Yellowstone

August 25^th was a significant day in the history of the National Park Service and Yellowstone National Park.  On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act, which officially established the National Park Service. In addition, it is also Christmas in Yellowstone.  Legend has it that a freak blizzard struck Yellowstone in August sometime around the turn of the 20^th century.  The blizzard stranded guests and their stagecoach at Old Faithful.  Rather than bemoaning the fact that they were stuck inside instead of enjoying Yellowstone in Summer, the guests decided to celebrate Christmas in Yellowstone.  I mean, it LOOKED like Christmas outside, so why not be a glass half full group and celebrate? I can relate to this mindset…I like ANY excuse for a party!!

Today, lodges decorate for Christmas, carols are sung, parties are thrown, and even Santa makes an appearance.  Although the true origin is unknown, there is a great deal of speculation surrounding the legend.  There is no actual record of a blizzard in August of any year.  In fact, the greatest amount of snow ever recorded in August is 1.8 inches, so perhaps this is a myth rather than a legend.  Either way, the tradition continues.

According to the veritable geyser of knowledge, Leslie Quinn (Yellowstone’s Information Specialist), in 1966, an article was written entitled, “Christmas Comes Twice a Year – Once at Home and Once Up Here”.  Historically, there was a celebration that occurred on July 25^th each year called “Savage Day”.  (The “savages” referred to park employees and concessionaires – appropriate as the tourist season winds down and the natives get restless to go home.)  It is thought that Savage Day eventually morphed into Christmas in Yellowstone.  There are even records of the group, A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, starting a choir. (Because what is church without a choir?) Eventually, there were choirs at Mammoth Hot Springs, Lake Village and Old Faithful.  The intent was to perform Handel’s Messiah, for the celebration, and moving the event to August gave the choirs more time to prepare.  (I’ve sung Messiah multiple times.  I am convinced the sopranos and tenors said, “Nope!!  We need another month of rehearsals!!”). Unfortunately, no organized choirs exist in Yellowstone as of this writing; however, there are choirs in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Perhaps that is something to consider if I come back for another season.

Christmas in Yellowstone is a lot of fun for the clinic staff.  Every year, our supervisor throws a Christmas party complete with a Christmas ham, all the usual sides, desserts and a White Elephant gift exchange.  It was so much fun!!  The gifts are very different from the gifts at the annual Christmas party I attend in Texas.  Gifts included the book, “Who Pooped in the Park”, a six pack of local brew, puzzles, homemade sourdough bread, and socks.  All very necessary for living in the interior where trips for supplies can take an entire day.  I was able to procure a box fan – although I had to steal it from someone else.  A box fan is an item that is much appreciated when it is 93 degrees outside, and the apartment has no air conditioning.  The best gift of the night was a large piece of petrified wood that was found on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land.  It is legal to harvest some resources on BLM land, and petrified wood is one of them.   It is illegal to take anything from a National Park except photos and memories. 

I have always loved Christmastime.  I love everything about it.  I love the sights, sounds, smells and the general feeling of excitement that surrounds that time of year.  Christmas means different things to different people.  For some, it is about the birth of Christ.  For others, it’s about family and coming together to celebrate.  And then, for others, somehow it has become a huge burden filled with stress and apathy.  I wonder about those that have given up on the season.  I’ve heard people declare they won’t be decorating or cooking or celebrating at all.  I wonder – are they concerned that whatever they do won’t be good enough or won’t live up to the expectations of society or family?  Or is it that Christmas never lived up to their own expectations, and they became disillusioned by the whole thing?  Truly no Christmas setting is as idyllic as portrayed in the movies or art.  Honesty, I think A Charlie Brown Christmas nails it.  When Charlie Brown says, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about”, he quickly gets schooled by Linus.

Christmas is what you make it – and WHEN you make it.  August 25, 2025, was a beautiful Christmas celebration for me in Yellowstone National Park.  Two of my favorite things came together on one day. Good food, new friends – some who will be friends for the rest of my life, music, laughter and just the simple joy of conversation. I have included some photographs of the clinic decorated for the season.

I feel so blessed to be here.  I hope, when Christmas and the holiday season rolls around in a few months, you can all find something that brings you joy.  I hope you can find that childlike wonder that is alive at that time of year with bright eyes, hope and curiosity. Whatever it means to you, take a moment this season to look around you, and be present in the moment. If your own feelings have become jaded, take a walk outside on Christmas morning, and listen to nature all around you. There are messages on the wind. Blessings to all.