Ten years of ornaments and friendship
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Brooke Duran
Ten years ago, Rina (pictured center) and Xavier (Santa) Castanon moved to the Forest Park neighborhood from California. The day after they moved in, the Castanons had holiday lights up on their house and Rina decided to continue a tradition from California, a simple ornament exchange with friends. Rina invited her new neighbors and a Colorado tradition was born. This year, some of the original neighbors attended the annual ornament exchange and luncheon on December 13, even though some have since moved to other neighboring towns. The new Forest Park neighbors who have moved in were also welcomed with open arms. Ornaments were exchanged, but friendship, kindness and connection are the real reason for the gathering.
