Being Santa
Emissaries of Santa Claus know there’s more to the job than putting on a red suit and saying “Ho, ho, ho.” They also know a magical transformation takes place in their hearts and minds as they channel the good, pure spirit of Christmas, and in the hearts and minds of children and adults they encounter.

Toons of 2012
Memorable quotes from the past 12 months and favorite cartoons by the News&Guide’s Rob Pudim revisit some of the highlights — and low points — of the year.

Cold climbers
Behind Snow King Resort’s Love Ridge condominiums, 40-foot-tall pillars of ice give winter athletes a new place to learn and practice ice climbing. The Teton Ice Park was developed by the resort and Exum Mountain Guides’ Christian Santelices.

Selko honored
Deep knowledge, love of skiing and a willingness to “go out and do it a ton” are the secrets behind the success of ski photographer Jonathan Selkowitz. The Idaho shooter who has covered three Olympics and countless World Cup races was honored earlier this month with the FIS Journalist Award from the International Ski Federation and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.

Party on, Jackson
New Year’s Eve brings torchlight parades to the slopes of all three of the county’s ski areas and live bands to many bars and restaurants. Denver’s Fox Street All Stars plan to “throw it down hard” at the Pink Garter on Monday, and Jackson Latin combo Calle Mambo will cha cha cha the night away at the Mangy Moose.

It had to happen
The Center for the Arts was looking for a special act for Christmas Week. Texas songwriter James McMurtry thought teaming up with up-and-comer John Fullbright sounded like fun.

Booking acts
Off Square Theatre Company recently announced its 2013 season. The literature-themed string of performances includes stage adaptations of such great works as “Moby Dick,” “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “The Little Engine that Could.”