Small Moments, Big Connections: Mindfulness and Community at Goodfellow AFB’s Santa Market
Written by Latosha Walker
Founder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Published: November 22, 2025
Finding Mindfulness in Community: Military life is a journey filled with constant change, challenges, and moments that test our resilience. Yet, amid the bustle and unpredictability, it’s often the small moments of connection and presence that offer the deepest grounding and mindfulness.
Recently, I had the opportunity to experience this firsthand at the 43rd Annual Santa Market at Goodfellow Air Force Base. Volunteering with the First Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA) booth, I helped support the event, but what truly touched me were the simple moments and powerful connections happening all around.
Being present in a space where so many come together—families, service members, local vendors, volunteers—reminded me that mindfulness isn’t only a quiet, solitary practice. It can be found in the shared laughter over a hot cup of cider, in the excitement of children exploring booths, and in the warm greetings exchanged between neighbors. The market became a living classroom in mindfulness, teaching me how connection and presence can weave through even the busiest days.
The Buzz of Arrival: Energy and Anticipation
Walking into the market, I was immediately struck by the palpable energy. The large, open outdoor space was comfortably packed with families, service members, retirees, and local community members. The air carried the mouthwatering aromas of food from various base clubs and private organizations, blending with the crisp November breeze.
The excitement was contagious—people lined up at booths, exchanging greetings and stories. Even Goodfellow’s Base Colonel Norton was there, warmly engaging with attendees. Seeing him chatting with the crowd was a beautiful reminder of the close-knit spirit that defines military communities.
The soundscape was a mix of joyful chatter, children’s laughter, and the occasional bark of a military working dog demonstration that had just wrapped up. The visual tapestry included colorful vendor tents, festive decorations, and the glow of smiles everywhere. It was a sensory feast, and yet, amidst the buzz, there was a comforting rhythm—a shared heartbeat of community.
Inside the Market: Creativity and Connection
Stepping inside the High Bay at the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy, I was immediately immersed in a bustling world of creativity and craftsmanship. The vendors, many hailing from the vibrant town of San Angelo, brought an incredible variety of goods that showcased local talent and passion. Each booth was a small story, a window into someone’s dedication to their craft.
One booth, in particular, caught both my husband’s and my eye. It was filled with beautifully handmade wooden pieces—among them, a Millennium Falcon charcuterie board and a Star Trek combadge key-drop bowl. These weren’t just products; they were works of art, carefully crafted with skill and love. The attention to detail was stunning, from the smooth finishes to the intricate designs that would delight any fan of the iconic franchises.
Seeing these creations reminded me how community events like this are so much more than markets—they’re celebrations of imagination, creativity, and local culture. As I wandered through the rows of tables in the High Bay, I felt a deep appreciation for how these small businesses and artisans contribute to the fabric of our community, offering unique treasures that carry stories and meaning far beyond their material form.
The energy inside the Firehouse space was alive but also a bit crowded. The buzz of conversation, the clinking of merchandise, and the steady flow of visitors created a lively atmosphere, but it also made moving through the space a bit challenging. Despite the crowd, the joy of discovery and the warmth of shared enthusiasm made the experience truly special.
The FCPOA Booth: Warm Cider, Hot Dogs, and Quiet Moments
Outside, in the open space near the High Bay, the First Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA) booth was a welcoming oasis of warmth and hospitality. Volunteering there, I witnessed how simple comforts can create meaningful connections in the midst of a busy event.
The hot cider we served was a delightful hit, offering a cozy reprieve even on a surprisingly warm Texas November day. Though temperatures hovered in the mid‑60s, the bright, cloudless sky made it feel much warmer, and the warmth of the cider brought a comforting contrast that drew people in.
Alongside the cider, the hot dogs were also a crowd favorite. There was a steady stream of people stopping by for a quick, satisfying bite. Watching them come up to the table, wrap their hands around warm cups or carry off plates, and then drift back into the crowd created a gentle rhythm to the day.
These moments at the FCPOA booth were about so much more than food. They were about connection, community, and care. People lingered a little longer, catching up with friends, meeting new faces, and offering kind words. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the simplest acts of sharing and hospitality build the strongest bonds.
Reflections on Atmosphere: Suggestions for Next Year
While the market was vibrant, I noticed a few opportunities to enhance the experience. The eating tables that were set up outside felt a bit buried where they were placed. I’d suggest moving them closer to the middle of the open space or nearer the entrance next year to invite more people to sit, rest, and enjoy their food comfortably.
Another gentle suggestion would be to add holiday music, both outside and inside—maybe even inviting a local radio station to host a small booth and play festive tunes. With Santa making an appearance, a soundtrack of holiday music would instantly deepen the seasonal atmosphere and wrap the whole event in an extra layer of warmth and cheer.
These small adjustments could make a big difference in how people experience the market—transforming it from a bustling event into a truly cozy and inviting holiday gathering where everyone feels welcome to linger, connect, and savor the moment.
The Heart of the Event: Conversations and Community
What stayed with me most from the Santa Market wasn’t a single dramatic moment or standout conversation—it was the steady, comforting hum of connection happening all around.
Everywhere I looked, people were talking. Not rushed, “I-have-to-go” conversations, but the kind where shoulders relax and faces soften. Neighbors ran into each other in line and caught up on life. Children tugged on sleeves to point out something exciting at a booth. Volunteers swapped stories between customers, laughing about shared experiences only military families truly understand.
Around the FCPOA booth, the flow of people felt almost like a gentle tide. Someone would step up for a hot dog or a cup of cider, and within moments, they’d be chatting—about the weather, how long they’d been stationed at Goodfellow, holiday plans, or where “home” is this year. Nothing earth-shattering, but deeply human.
Standing there, I realized how easy it is to underestimate these small interactions. On paper, they might seem like casual small talk, but in real time, they felt like tiny threads being woven into a larger tapestry: a sense of belonging.
For many of us in the military community, especially during the holidays, that feeling can be fragile. We might be far from extended family, in a new town, or navigating another transition. Events like this market quietly say, “You’re not doing this alone.” Mindfulness, in this context, meant noticing that truth—pausing long enough to really see how people were showing up for each other, simply by being present.
In the middle of the noise and movement, there were these small, sacred pauses: a shared joke, a kind word, a “how are you really doing?” that lingered a little longer than expected. Those moments felt like the true heartbeat of the Santa Market.
Why This Matters: Mindfulness, Resilience, and Belonging
Military life demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community. The constant transitions, deployments, and uncertainties can challenge even the most grounded among us. Yet, it’s precisely in these moments of upheaval that mindfulness and belonging become essential lifelines.
Events like the Santa Market nurture those lifelines by creating spaces where people can come together to recharge, connect, and celebrate shared experiences. They remind us that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships; it’s about cultivating joy, connection, and presence even in the midst of life’s storms.
For military families, these gatherings are more than markets or fairs—they are vital threads in the social fabric that supports well-being and belonging. They offer opportunities to build relationships, share stories, and create memories that anchor us to community and home, no matter where we are stationed.
Mindfulness, in this context, is not just a personal practice but a collective one. It’s about showing up fully—not just physically, but emotionally and socially—for ourselves and each other. It’s in the shared laughter, the listening ear, and the simple acts of kindness that we find strength and healing.
By engaging in these moments of presence and connection, we nurture our resilience and deepen our sense of belonging. We remind ourselves—and each other—that we are part of something bigger, a community that holds us through change and celebrates us in every season.
Invitation: Engage and Connect
If there’s one takeaway I hope you carry from this Santa Market, it’s that showing up matters—more than we often realize.
You don’t have to be in charge of a booth or organize an event to make a difference. Simply being present, offering a smile, buying a cup of cider, or chatting with a volunteer can help weave the kind of community so many of us are craving, especially in military life.
Mindfulness in this setting looks like:
Noticing the people around you instead of just rushing from booth to booth
Taking a moment to really taste your food or drink instead of eating on autopilot
Pausing to thank a volunteer or vendor and really mean it
Letting yourself enjoy the festive details—the decorations, the crafts, the small acts of kindness
My gentle invitation to you is this: the next time your base, town, or local community hosts an event like this, consider going with the intention to be present. Walk a little slower. Look people in the eye. Ask one more question in a conversation. Let yourself feel the energy of being part of something bigger than your own to‑do list.
Those small choices are mindfulness in motion—and they add up.
Closing: With Gratitude and Presence
As I think back on the Santa Market at Goodfellow AFB, what lingers isn’t just the memory of hot cider and hot dogs, the handmade woodwork, or the busy High Bay. It’s the feeling of being surrounded by people who are all, in their own ways, trying to create something good—whether that’s raising funds, sharing their craft, or simply showing up to support the community.
In a life shaped by orders, timelines, and constant change, days like this are a quiet reminder that we are more than what we’re juggling. We are part of a living, breathing community that laughs together, eats together, and shows up for one another.
My hope is that as you move through your own busy season—whether you’re in the middle of a PCS, settling into a new duty station, or just trying to keep up with everyday life—you’ll notice the small moments that invite you to pause:
A conversation at a booth
A warm drink in your hands
A shared smile with someone you’ve never met before
These are the threads that hold us together.
Thank you for walking through this day with me. May you find your own small moments and big connections, wherever you are, and may they remind you that you belong.
With gratitude and presence,
Latosha