E v e r y
year when
the holiday
season rolls around,
communities gather
together to make memories
with year long traditions. These
traditions not only bring joy, they
bring people together and provide
community festivity. Many festivities
take place in the area each year, ranging
from tree lightings to craft shows. These events
are what get people excited for the holiday season.
One thing that is definitely big during the holiday
season is donation drives. Many people in the world are
not fortunate enough to receive Christmas gifts and other
basic necessities, whether it be all year or specifically during the
holiday season. The community comes together to
help the less fortunate get these items. It brings joy to
both the people giving and the people receiving.
Another large attraction that brings the community together is
Christmas tree lightings. Many activities throughout the course of
this event include music, dancing and other entertainment. These acts
help people begin to feel joy and festivity about the upcoming holidays.
The best part is the countdown when everyone in attendance counts backwards
from 10 and at the end of the countdown the beautiful tree is lit. The simplest
thing, such as looking at a Christmas tree, brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
Craft shows are also a popular event during the holiday season. You can walk around
looking at everybody’s handmade items. It is common for attendees to buy a lot of gifts for
their loved ones at these shows because there are so many options to choose from. Craft shows
are also occasions where people can socialize and meet new people.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Saint Matthew Parish Bazaar in Ellet.
They had two floors of vendors and each table had a different person trying to sell
you their handmade creation. The vendors are very passionate about their work. Many
I talked to said they had been attending this show for many years, and it is one of the things
they look forward to each and every holiday season.
One of my favorite things from the show was the food from the kitchen. More than 3,500 of the
show’s famous cabbage rolls were sold. Almost everyone who attends this show enjoys this delicious
food. The money they make from selling these go towards the church where the experience is held, and some
of the profits even help to benefit an orphanage in El Salvador. The children seem to enjoy this festivity also, with
Santa Claus making an appearance and having the opportunity to be a part of the community. The children get to tell
Santa everything they want for Christmas. Nothing beats walking in the doors and seeing children smiling up at one of their favorite people.
Enjoy this holiday season
and try to get out to one of
these exciting events around
town. You never know,
it could end up being the
highlight of your year.