Isms: Views on life in rural America

A quick trip to Comstock on Saturday reinforced why I love Nebraska.

The village, nestled against the Middle Loup River and situated on the Custer and Valley county line, boasts a population of 97 souls. I’m guessing on Saturday, the population may have doubled, as out-of-town visitors strolled or drove by the massive Christmas light displays stretching from one “Welcome to Comstock” sign to the other.

Organizers boast the display contains more than a mile of lights, a dozen themed buildings and at least 400 holiday inflatables filling 20 blocks. Lighting areas are divided into themed sections, including Minion Village, Green Acres, Teddy Bear Boulevard, Grinchville, Gone Fishin’ with Santa, the Comstock Police, and more.

In the middle of Main Street, a donation barrel, wrapped in old-fashioned Christmas lights, features a sign, “Donations Accepted.” Holiday tunes blared from Bluetooth speakers strategically placed along the route.

Upon arrival, we weaved among blocks, taking photographs and video for an upcoming feature in Living Here Magazine. Then, we made a loop on Main, checking out more extravagant displays set up inside buildings. For a moment, I felt I’d stepped back in time to a simpler and more innocent way of life. It was a breath of fresh air in what has been a disruptive year.

I’m not sure which set-up was my favorite. Santa inside a phone booth outside of the local telephone company building was cute, and so was the display at the old filling station, which featured a vintage Standard Oil delivery truck and a welcoming Santa standing in the station’s doorway. Of course, the wall of Christmas stockings, hung with care, was a heartfelt tribute to the locals.

The display is the brainchild of Comstock resident Henry Nuxoll, who started the tradition as a tribute to his granddaughter and his twin brother, who died in 2013. Someone left a surprise gift of Christmas decorations at Nuxoll’s residence around that time. Ever since, the collection continues to grow.

On Saturday, Main Street was jam-packed with families walking amongst the displays, taking family photos in the gazebo, surrounded by snowmen, or on Grinch Street, amongst 20-plus Grinches of varying sizes.

I stopped by the Comstock News office for a photo op. Although the window featured holiday lights, decorations and the paper’s masthead in an elegant Old English font, the last paper was printed in 1992.

In a spot made famous for its country and rock pasture parties, the Comstock Christmas display gives new life to this small town. As I walked around downtown, I couldn’t help but think the display is pure marketing genius. Charming and whimsical, Christmas in Comstock offers something for everyone.

If I venture a guess, the majority of individuals checking out the winter wonderland also stopped by the local saloon, which offers free popcorn, apple cider and cocoa to visitors, in addition to regular menu items. Think of the economic impact on a village which only has a handful of businesses.

There’s something special and unique about Christmas traditions in small towns. Kudos to Comstock residents for bringing the season to life.