Community Spirit Shines Bright: Tularosa Embraces the Magic of Giving Back This Holiday Season

Tularosa, New Mexico – December 19, 2025

In the heart of the Tularosa Basin of Otero County, in the town of Tularosa where historic traditions like the iconic Christmas Eve luminaria displays light up the village, the holiday spirit is alive and thriving through acts of generosity and community unity.

For the past four years, local resident Christopher Rupp has donned the red suit and boots to bring joy as Santa Claus to the children at the Tularosa Head Start Program, a vital early childhood education initiative serving families in the area.

In a heartfelt social media post, Rupp expressed his gratitude: “I’ve been truly blessed to step into the boots and suit of Santa Claus for the Tularosa Head Start Program.”

Rupp extended thanks to the dedicated staff and family members who make the annual visit possible, noting their unwavering time, effort, and love. This year, a special acknowledgment went to the volunteers from Santa In The Basin, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to helping children in need during Christmastime. Thanks to their donations, every single child at the program received a Christmas gift, ensuring no one was left out of the holiday magic.

They say it takes a village… and today, that couldn’t be more true,” Rupp shared. “Seeing all those big smiles, excitement, and happiness on the kids’ faces is proof of what we can do when a community comes together.”

About Santa In The Basin, now in its fourth year serving Tularosa, it isfocused on providing gifts and support to less fortunate families, embodying the spirit of giving that defines small-town New Mexico during the holidays. Mary Salazar Borunda’s heartfelt initiative, Santa In The Basin, began in 2021 as an extension of her long-running project Santa On The West End in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Inspired by a childhood memory in Tularosa, NM, Mary sought to recreate the joy she once felt by bringing Christmas cheer to children and families who might otherwise go without. Her legacy is a testament to how one person’s memory can become a community’s tradition. 

And the partnership this year with Christopher Rupp and the Tularosa Head Start Program further demonstrates the spirit of community. In a season that celebrates togetherness, stories like this remind us that giving back—whether through time, donations, or a jolly visit from Santa—creates lasting memories and strengthens the bonds of community in the Land of Enchantment.

Don’t forget this upcoming holiday week specific to the Tularosa area other upcoming holiday season events that should not be missed:

Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth,  a healing sanctuary created by CAPPED, Inc. between Alamogordo and Tularosa is hosting special evening events.

Join December 23 to 27 from 6 to 9 pm for five nights of free, family-friendly community celebration featuring lights , cookies , cocoa , live music, and nightly themes honoring those who serve, heal, and uplift our community

Dec 23: Military & Veteran Family Night

Dec 24: Church & Faith Communities

Dec 25: Children & Grandparents

Dec 26: Physicians, Nurses, & Counselors

Dec 27: The Wellness Community

We hope to see you there.

The Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone seeking peace, reflection, and healing . The Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth is located at 7440 US Hwy 54/70 between Alamogordo and Tularosa. 

And  The Tularosa Christmas Eve Luminarias Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24, 2025), from dusk until candles burn out around midnight.

Location: Throughout the Village of Tularosa, with thousands lining Highway 70 (St. Francis Drive), walls, and buildings.

Details: This one-night-only display involves thousands of paper bags filled with sand and a lit candle, creating a warm, traditional glow. Traffic on the highway is slowed to 15 mph for visitors to enjoy the sight.

Santa is also escorted through town by the Fire Department after dark and pay him a visit from 6 pm till 8 pm before he jumps on his sleigh for his annual journey. 

More News from Alamogordo

• Olympia Provisions Recalls Ready-to-Eat Holiday Kielbasa Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination Holiday kielbasa recalled…
• Southern New Mexico Businesses — Including Artesia and Las Cruces — Join Statewide Capital Initiative, With Implications for Otero County’s Small-Business Future While no Otero County businesses were selected, the program’s structure and priorities directly align with the county's needs