Residents of fire-ravaged Jasper enter new year with hope, anxiety [Video]

This year, Kim Stark’s kids took responsibility for decorating the family Christmas tree.

Ornaments include toy cars, puzzle pieces, string and a pair of binoculars — things her three young daughters had handy after the family lost their home in summer’s devastating wildfire in Jasper, Alta.

“I have the most wonderful tree on the planet,” Stark said. “It’s part of our story and part of who we are.

“If [the kids] are happy, I’m happy.”

Stark is part of the fabric of the Jasper townsite, a 10-year member of the fire department and owner of a coffee shop and bakery.

Her family, plus three furry pets and a fish, are living in a condo as they navigate rebuilding their home.

“[The kids] miss our house, and we talk about our house,” Stark said.

“We make sure we go to our neighbourhood, so that it doesn’t become somebody else’s neighbourhood.”