Once again, the City of Las Vegas is graced with the generous gift of two beautiful Christmas trees for the holiday season—one standing in the former Safeway parking lot on Douglas Avenue and 7th Street, and the other shining proudly in historic Plaza Park. This cherished tradition has become part of the city’s heritage, made possible by local families who offer not only trees, but pieces of their history. This year, both gifts come from families whose roots run deep in the land and life of Las Vegas, NM.

The Plaza Park Tree – A Living Legacy from Tony and Cathy Benavidez

This year’s Plaza Park Christmas tree was donated by Tony and Cathy Benavidez of Montezuma, NM, just steps away from the old Montezuma Skating Pond—a beloved gathering place filled with childhood memories and community laughter. The Benavidez family is no stranger to generosity; in 2017, they donated the tree that brightened Douglas Avenue. Their giving spirit runs deep.

Tony and Cathy, married for 55 years, still live in the same home where Tony grew up. Lifelong residents of Las Vegas and Montezuma, they built a life grounded in service and community. Tony retired from the New Mexico Department of Education, and Cathy from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, where she dedicated her career to caring for others as a nurse.

Before working in education, Tony ran the printer at the Las Vegas Optic. Largely self-taught, he produced the newspaper’s first full-color Christmas edition, featuring a cheerful Snoopy with his decorated doghouse. The issue now hangs framed in the Benavidez home—a reminder of Tony’s pride in meaningful work and quiet accomplishments.

When Tony later transitioned into a role at the Department of Education, he returned to college for the credits needed to become a financial specialist. To celebrate his new beginning, his young grandchildren gifted him a bright SpongeBob backpack—complete with labels, drawings, and stickers—so he’d feel as excited as they did for school. It remains a treasured symbol of their admiration and encouragement.

Community involvement has always been central to the Benavidez family. Tony and Cathy spent many winters skating at the Montezuma pond, and Cathy recently became a National Horseshoe Champion at the Senior Olympics. Tony has also served the community through long-term leadership with the Lower Gallinas Land Grant.

The tree they donated this year carries deep emotional significance. Thirty-five years ago, Tony’s older brother, Bobby Benavidez, brought home a small sapling in a bucket from his tree farm. The family jokingly called it their “Charlie Brown Christmas tree.” Tony planted it in the yard and cared for it faithfully over the decades. What began as a humble little tree grew into a classic evergreen—full, perfectly shaped, and deeply loved.

Bobby, lovingly described as “a light bulb in a dark room,” passed away in 2019. The tree he once carried home is one of the last living reminders of him on the property. By donating it, Tony honors his brother’s memory and shares Bobby’s joy and generosity with the entire community—a gift rooted in love, legacy, and remembrance.

The Douglas Avenue Tree – A Gift from Gregorio Jr. and Joann Loera

The second tree—now standing at Douglas Avenue and 7th Street—comes from the home of Gregorio Jr. and Joann Loera, another family woven into the fabric of Las Vegas.

Mr. Loera, born and raised here, served proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After returning home, he worked for Gambles and later Tempo in Santa Fe before taking over his father’s shoe-repair business when his father fell ill. Gregorio eventually moved Greg’s Shoe Shop to Las Vegas in 1975. For 45 years, the shop served generations of families—first on Bridge Street, then from his home—earning the trust of the community through craftsmanship and care.

His daughter, Darlene Ulibarri, fondly remembers childhood moments helping her father shine shoes. At first, it was simple spit-shines at home; later, she and her siblings learned to use the same machines he used for customers. They competed for the chance to help, proud to watch their father head to work each day in his three-piece suit and tie—a reflection of his pride in his craft, his family, and his community.

Mrs. Loera, also a Las Vegas native, is remembered warmly for her 29 years in the fabric department at Wal-Mart. A member of the store’s original team, she welcomed customers with the familiarity and kindness that made her a local favorite. Together, the Loeras raised four children, all of whom graduated from New Mexico Highlands University—a testament to the values of dedication, humility, and perseverance they instilled.

In recent years, the couple enjoy quiet mornings together, sharing coffee and reflecting on the blessings the community has given them. That sense of gratitude inspired their decision to give back. Rather than wait for “someday,” they chose to donate a magnificent tree they planted 45 years ago from a sapling brought from their uncle’s land in Mora, NM.

The Loera family extended heartfelt thanks to Public Works Director Arnold Lopez and his crew for their expert handling of the tree’s removal and transport. “It was a major orchestrated event,” Darlene said. “They were amazing from beginning to end and followed every safety protocol. We couldn’t be more pleased or thankful.”

A Night of Celebration

Both the Benavidez and Loera Christmas trees were lit on Friday at 5:00 p.m. during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Plaza Park. For the Loera family, the evening held extra meaning because it also marked their 65th wedding anniversary, a celebration of a lifetime of partnership, love, and community.

The community gathered to honor these generous families and to take part in a tradition that reflects what makes Las Vegas so special. The people, the stories, and the deep-rooted love that grows from generation to generation were all on display as the trees illuminated the night.