Each year, my town celebrates the coming of Christmas with a "Light Up (Our Town)" celebration the first Friday of December. Regardless of the unpredictable weather, for one night, the town is magical. Carolers gather on the steps of the Courthouse and people stamp the cold out with their feet, clutching steaming styrofoam cups of free hot chocolate.William and I hurried into the line to see Santa, who traditionally arrives by horse-drawn carriage to sit in the covered gazebo on the lawn of the county jail. Often, the line extends a city block and we normally forgo the wait. This year, he was one of the first to get in his requests. Santa arrived right after the lights went on for the Christmas season.
Friends and acquaintances waved at each other through store and restaurant windows or as they passed on the sidewalk. Main Street was blocked to traffic as pedestrians strolled up and down the street taking in the sights. We even noticed that only two trains went down Main Street that night. (Railroad tracks run straight through town on Main Street.) It was so small town America, so seemingly safe and wholesome. So Christmas past. This is why we live in My Town.
Our new neighbors who are now friends found us and made reservations for us all at the Irish Pub, as the girls visited with teen friends along the street. William and I ventured over to watch the Balloon Man make hats for eager children though William found it well worth the wait.
Once in the pub, we greeted other friends at nearby tables, enjoyed a Tenent's (Scottish beer - or at least I did!) with our fish and chips. William tried to cajole me into standing in line for a horse drawn carriage ride, but the cold and long day was enough for me. After the afternoon piano party (which went well even without a downstairs toilet) thank you, and horse chores ahead of me, I had to beg off and get home.
Here is a short video of the lighting of My Town:
My Town Monday is the brainchild of Travis Erwin, soon to be famous author. He is taking a break until after the holidays in hosting MTM. Chris at e-Cuneiform Scratchings and I will be hosting MTM in the interim. If you would like a link to your MTM post, please leave me a message in the comments section.
Links to other My Town Monday Posts:
Jenn Jilks - Visits Washington, D.C. and Alexandria
Packsaddle - Hamilton, Texas
Debra - Peninsula, Ohio
Chuck - Kentucky
Cloudia - Waikiki, Hawaii
Sepiru Chris - Hong Kong
pattinase (abbott) - Detroit, Michigan
12 comments:
It is refreshing to know there are still places like that in the United States.
My abbreviated version of MTM is now available for public viewing.
My post is up, Junosmom :-) I'll be back later to read.
My "MTM- Street Signs is up!
http://chuckschatter.blogspot.com/2008/12/mtm-street-signs.html
Your town (and this post) are very sweet. thanks for inviting us! All this and horses too? Nice!
Please link to ANY of my Waikiki posts for My Town Monday. Travis got me hooked on participating . . . hiatus-shmiatus ;-> Aloha, Junosmom!
Sweet! Thanks for sharing.
Great photos and video.
I'm taking a bit of a break from MTM as I need to tackle my writing projects.
I miss my small town. Great Post!
Facinating post, fascinating blog. My first visit, but not my last.
I will have mine up at three. Didn't know you were doing it. Patti
My son's town light all the stores on Main Street from top to bottom in different colors for a month. It's magical.
Hi Packsaddle - I'm glad I live here.
Debra - you're linked!
Hey Chuck! Did you make it to the Light Up night or did you get lost due to street signs?
Cloudia: comments over at your place, but yes, horses too! Heaven, until I look at your photos :-)
Good to see you Janie.
Oh, Barbara - I see now that you've said you're taking a break. I left a message at your blog asking. I have the answer now.
Thank you, Chris and Dave, I hope you come back.
pattinase: I have your link up. The lights do make it magical.
Hi Junosmom,
For me, Christmas involves trees with candles (put up on December 24th so that the tree is moist and fresh) and the Christmas Market in Bremen. I look forward to posting pictures.
Your Christmas start comes earlier. I think I could easily live with a Christmas that starts with a beer, friends, neighbours, family, Santa, and lights.
You bring us into your town so effortlessly. Thanks, as always, and always meant.
Chris
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