Sometimes a local town event, open to the public free of charge, and always offered annually, is all it takes to bring out the very best of the holiday spirit in people of all ages.
On Sunday, many hundreds of families attended the Nutley tree lighting ceremony and stayed to enjoy a truly old-fashioned Christmas, complete with caroling, fresh chestnuts cooked over an open fire (courtesy of Frank Oliver and friends), a Christmas concert, ice sculptures (my holiday card this year) and much more.
During this time of hectic, stressful gift buying, parties and planning, when juggling family and the holidays seems impossible, it was life-affirming to attend such a low-key yet totally vital, vibrant event, and remind my children once again: the best bells and whistles at Christmas are those found right inside your heart.
To read the full feature story, get The Nutley Journal on December 10.
