What Powers Our Holidays: Stories from MVEA Members

This holiday season, Mountain View Electric Association hosted a social media giveaway for our members, giving them a chance to win a professional LED holiday lighting package installed on their home. To enter, members filled out an online form answering a simple question: “What powers your holidays? Share what keeps your season bright—family, traditions, community, or something unique to you!”

The responses we received were heartwarming and inspiring. While one lucky member was chosen at random to receive the LED lighting install, every answer shared gave us a wonderful glimpse into what makes this season so special for our members.

Here are a few of the heartfelt responses we received:

• “It’s the best time of the year! Decorating the tree and house with our children. Inviting family and friends over to enjoy the Christmas spirit. There’s no other time of the year quite like Christmas.” – William S.
• “I love spending time with the family and then sitting down on the couch once everyone is asleep with the lights off, Christmas tree lit in the background, Christmas music on, a cup of hot cocoa, and a good book in hand. It’s my happy place.” – Ashley Z.
• “Having dinner with the whole family (at least 15 of us) on Christmas Eve and then driving home, looking at the lights and for Rudolph’s nose. Once we think we may see him, we have to rush home to get to sleep so Santa will come!” – Jennifer F.
• “I remember the joy Christmas magic made me feel as a kid, and I keep that alive as an adult and for my son! My favorite night of the year is Christmas Eve. It is so peaceful, and I feel the joy in my heart.” – Kimberly K.
• “What powers my holidays is not being deployed for them. I spent numerous holiday seasons deployed. Although I’m now retired, I empathize with those deployed during this time of year.” – Elizabeth A.

These stories remind us that the holidays are powered by family, traditions, reflection, and community. At MVEA, we’re proud to play a role in keeping these moments bright and safe by providing reliable electricity for our members’ homes and neighborhoods.

Our holiday LED lighting giveaway was just one way to bring a little extra cheer, but the true power of the season comes from the connections, memories, and joy our members create every year.

At MVEA, the holidays—and every day—are powered by more than electricity. Many of our employees aren’t just the ones working hard in the field to keep your lights on; we are also your neighbors, friends, and community members. That’s what makes being part of an electric cooperative different from other utilities: we’re owned by the members we serve. Supporting our members, celebrating traditions, and keeping our communities bright is at the heart of everything we do.

From all of us at MVEA, thank you to our members for sharing your stories and for letting us be part of your community this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!.