We Need a Little Christmas

You can be forgiven for losing track of time this year. An argument can be made as to why anyone would want to pay any more attention to this year than we already have and that’s a fair point.

It can’t be just me but things have been going sideways in terms of the calendar starting somewhere in March. We’ve got Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror with the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” straight ahead of us whether we’re feeling holly-jolly or not.

But rather than mope and moan at how much unwelcome change we’ve had so far this year thanks to the pandemic (named ‘Word of the Year’ (WOTY) by Merriam-WebsterDictionary), how about, instead, being joyful for what we still have and hopeful about what we are looking forward to?

How does that song go? ‘For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute.’ Well no matter what you call it, or how you celebrate it, this is most certainly the time of the year for it and quite frankly not a moment too soon, say I.

You know how we used to all look forward to the Winterfest Parade with its floats, holiday-bedecked fire engines and marching bands, and then the pilgrimage to where Union Street and Broadway meet at Angelo Sanguedolce Square, for hot cider and cocoa from the United Congregational Church, hayrides around downtown, and holiday caroling until it was time to count down for Santa’s arrival and to Light Up City Hall?  This year, because of WOTY, things will be (more than) a little different.

From last year's lighting ceremony

The Winterfest Parade was canceled months ago but thanks to a large number of helping hands from across the city and within city government, if you head to Howard T. Brown Park after dark any evening, you’ll be treated to some gorgeous white lights on the gazebo, a fountain made of lights and tree branches throughout the park festooned with even more lights.

You can check them out from the comfort of your own home with or without chestnuts roasting by an open fire, on the city’s website. And I hiked down to the Harbor this past Sunday to grab some holiday spirit for myself.

Meanwhile, back at City Hall, the 29th Annual Light Up City Hall will happen this Friday at six but as a Virtual Event complete with a volunteer-produced video with holiday greetings from local fire departments, American Ambulance, and civic groups as well as videos of the tree and lighting setups we can all enjoy either at the city’s website, or on the City of Norwich Facebook page.

On Saturday from noon to four there’s a “Shop Local Fair” sponsored by the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce with dozens of vendors and artisans all along Broadway, Franklin and Bath streets. And before you ask, yes Virginia, there will be restaurants, shops and food trucks because some of us need more than just figgy pudding.

So, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and bring a friend or two. And plan on buying gift cards from your favorite places and spaces so all of us can have a happy holiday.
-bill kenny