A first Christmas in WU

 

The Elliotts made the move to West Union this past summer upon Travis Elliott’s hiring as the new North Fayette Elementary principal. This marks the Elliotts’ first family Christmas in their new home, and they are thrilled for many more to come. Kendall and Peyton join their mom, Kelly, baby sister, Shay, and dad, Travis, in wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

 

 

 

 

 

A first Christmas in WU

Megan Mohlis
Contributing Writer

As families sit down to enjoy their traditional holiday festivities, the Elliott household will be embracing new ones as they experience their first family Christmas in their West Union home. 

Travis Elliott became the new North Fayette Elementary principal in July of this year. Both he and his wife, Kelly (Hageman), were previously employed in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area; he at Orange Elementary and she at Orchard Hill Elementary. Both working in the field they love, the father of three aspired to be an elementary school principal. So, when the opportunity at North Fayette arrived, he jumped at the chance. However, the opportunity to fulfill his dream also meant uprooting his family and creating a new home.

With Travis growing up in Postville and Kelly in Ossian, the small-town roots and family connections made the move back to the area much easier. They admit that it was a culture shock at first, but they were quickly reminded of small-town family values.

“It was 10 years. It would have been different had we moved back right after college, but 10 years is a long time,” said the mom of three, who now works for Keystone AEA.

“Our Saturdays used to be so fragmented with one person who might go do something while the other one stayed home. Now, we literally hop in the car and go somewhere together, which has been different, but it has been great at the same time,” her husband quickly added. 

The Elliott children, Peyton (6), Kendall (5), and Shay (1), have all adjusted well to their new community, according to their parents. The proud mom and dad are delighted with their children’s success, but are particularly impressed with their middle child, Kendall. Embracing all that is North Fayette Valley, she can often be found singing the school’s fight song as she plays at home. 

With so much to be thankful for, the family of five enters the holiday season thrilled with their decision to return to the area.  They are also excited to be settled in enough to celebrate Christmas just the way they always have. 

“There has been so much change in our kids’ lives that the one thing we really wanted to keep constant was the way we celebrate Christmas,” explained the devoted father. 

In keeping with this desire, the Elliotts have decorated their home as closely as possible to how it has been done in the past. Stockings hang above the fireplace, and a beautifully, decorated tree stands as the focal point of the living room. 

On Christmas Eve, all three children will unwrap their gifts from their parents, one of which will include a pair of Christmas jammies, a holiday movie, hot cocoa mix and popcorn. Then on Christmas Eve night, the family will make popcorn balls and dye them red and green, the hot cocoa will be warmed and the Christmas movies popped in. The entire family will gather around their living room and enjoy the evening together. On Christmas morning, the kids will see what Santa has left for them before heading out to celebrate with their extended family.

So far, the family has enjoyed the Christmas light displays in both West Union and Decorah, and letters to Santa have been sent. Peyton hopes to receive Furby Boom, Kendall wants Princess Barbies, and little Shay will be happy with whatever her siblings get and are willing to share. 

As for their parents, although a Keurig coffeemaker and a new set of headphones would be nice, they feel they have already been so blessed. From neighbors who welcomed them with open arms to the NFV staff who quickly made them part of the “family,” they can’t say thank you enough for the positive experience they have had in making West Union and  the surrounding communities their home. New and meaningful friendships have been made while old ones have been rekindled, and family time has become an everyday occurrence, which was not always the case when they lived in a bigger town. 

Once the family has their first Christmas in the books, they are looking forward to beginning their first full year as West Union residents.  Travis and Kelly are anxious to get the children more involved with community activities and are excited at being available to enjoy the things their new hometown has to offer. They are also eager to start renovations on their house. Having completed a number of upgrades already, the Elliotts plan to take on a number of major remodeling projects in order to be able to enjoy their home to its full potential over what they hope is many years to come. 

“We are excited to be here, and we are excited to celebrate our first Christmas as a family here. It’s going to be so nice,” closed Travis, surrounded by his wife and children.

 


 

 

Elliott Family’s popcorn ball recipe:

 

1 Tablespoon Butter

½ Bag Marshmallows

1 bag microwave popcorn

Food coloring 

 

Melt butter and marshmallows for 35 seconds in microwave. Add desired food coloring.  Add popcorn and form into balls. Let cool and enjoy!

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