Tinsel the cow brings holiday cheer—and a little mischief—to Eagle Mountain

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — A blow-up Christmas decoration is stealing the spotlight in one Eagle Mountain neighborhood—literally. The inflatable cow, affectionately named Tinsel, isn’t just a yard ornament. It’s the centerpiece of a game where the goal is simple: steal Tinsel without getting caught.

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What started as a small idea to bring neighbors together has turned into a full-blown holiday tradition. “It’s just fun. I wanted people to have fun,” said Sammi Coberly, the mastermind behind the game. Coberly said she wanted something lighthearted to help people connect. “Sometimes you need something to make that relationship,” she explained. “And so this little cow is making friendships all over.” The rules? Don’t get caught until Tinsel hits the sidewalk. Kids can play—but only with a parent present. Strategies have gotten creative, with decoys and disguises. “We had someone dress up as the Amazon delivery person,” Coberly laughed. “It almost worked until someone recognized her.” Doorbell cameras have captured the action—kids sprinting across lawns, parents cheering them on, and neighbors laughing together. “I’ve gotten hundreds of text messages from my neighbors saying, ‘Thank you for doing this,’” Coberly said. “It’s actually brought me to tears quite a few times.” The game has even gone viral, with people across the globe chiming in on social media. But for Coberly, the real joy is local. “That little silly cow has actually brought a lot of people happiness,” she said. Tomorrow, the rules will change: instead of stealing Tinsel, players will try to give her away. And in Eagle Mountain, that means the holiday fun is far from over.

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This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL's editorial standards are upheld.