A Hike to Kick Off the Holiday Season

Written by Rocky Xu Cheng

Publish Date: November 16, 2024

Today was a beautiful reminder of what the holiday season is truly about—community, connection, and taking time to appreciate the simple joys in life. On November 16, we had the honor of welcoming 65 participants—families with special needs, along with a dedicated group of volunteers—to a special hike through the trails of Freedom Park. But before the event officially kicked off, we made sure to check the trails early in the morning to ensure everything was in perfect condition for the day ahead.

As we walked along the trail, we were greeted by the peaceful beauty of Freedom Park in the midst of the holiday season. The green and yellow leaves still clung to the trees, creating a stunning display of autumn’s final colors, and the air was crisp and fresh—just the right atmosphere for a hike. The trails were well-maintained, making them accessible and inviting, especially for those with varying mobility needs. The park was quiet, and the only sounds we could hear were the rustling of leaves underfoot and the distant calls of birds, adding a serene backdrop to our pre-event preparations.

However, we did notice one small issue: the rain from two weeks ago had left some areas of the trail damp, which created a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. As much as we wanted the hike to be enjoyable for everyone, we also wanted to make sure our participants were comfortable and safe. To prepare for this, we quickly sent out an email to all participants advising them to wear loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved jackets to help protect against the mosquitoes. It was a small adjustment, but one that we knew would make the experience more pleasant for everyone.

When the afternoon arrived, we set off with high hopes, but it quickly became clear that the mosquitoes were much more than we had observed. After just a quarter mile along the trail, it became almost unbearable for some participants, as the mosquitoes swarmed around us. Despite everyone’s best efforts to keep moving, many people were getting bitten, and it became evident that continuing deeper into the forest wasn’t going to be enjoyable for anyone.

Rather than risk further discomfort, we made the decision to head back to the trailhead, where we could regroup and still make the most of our time together. Back at the starting point, we shifted gears and turned the day into a fun, relaxing opportunity for play and connection. With the beautiful open space around the trailhead, families and volunteers enjoyed some time together in a more relaxed setting—playing games, chatting, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

It was clear that, while the hike itself may have been cut short, the spirit of the event was still alive and well. Children played in the playground, parents and volunteers shared stories and laughs, and there was a sense of camaraderie and joy that filled the air. Even though we didn’t make it far into the forest, we were still able to celebrate the holiday season with the same sense of togetherness and community that we had hoped for.

At the end of the day, despite the mosquitoes and the change in plans, we were all grateful for the chance to be outside and to spend quality time together. Families expressed their appreciation for the time spent with others, and volunteers shared how fulfilling it was to help create such a positive, inclusive experience for everyone. The day was a reminder that, sometimes, plans don’t go as expected, but the real value lies in the connections we make and the moments we share. Today was a beautiful, meaningful way to kick off the holiday season, and we look forward to more opportunities to come together and share these special moments.

Big thanks to the fifteen families with special needs attending the event. The event can only be successful with your trust.

Special thanks to seventeen volunteers: Aashi Malvi, Alondra galván, Anthwyne Balute, Dayle Tumbagahan, Dennis Wei, Elena Alsup, Eric Liu, Kunsh Kalra, Mathew, Olivia Wang, Sophia C, Sophia Fan, Tristan Lin, Yifan Wu for volunteering at the event and making the experience for every participant even better.