Let the Holidays Begin!

When I was a child, there was Thanksgiving and then, an eternity afterwards, there was Christmas. Between the two there were some preparations, of course – the list for Santa Claus, the Santa Claus Parade and a little Christmas shopping. “Daddy we bought you some slippers, but it’s a surprise!” Mostly, however, there was just a long stretch of ordinary time between two distinct holidays.
Since children experience time differently, they may still feel this way. For me, though, it seems like the end of the year is just one big holiday called Halloweenthanksgivingchristmas as pumpkins and pilgrims, turkeys and trees, stockings and Santa Claus cohabit in a cheerful bundle.
Some mutter and complain but I enjoy it – especially the early days -- before people start smiling wanly, wondering whether they’ll have enough enthusiasm for the Big Day after all the introductory festivities.
Charlottesville kicked off its holiday season this past weekend with the Annual Tree Lighting on Friday evening followed by the Holiday Heritage Parade on Saturday morning – probably the only community in the United States where Thomas Jefferson and Santa Claus share the limelight.
Friday, we gathered at 5 p.m. at Central Place on the Downtown Mall. Two local television news people welcomed us and the City Registrar led us in song

while a strategically placed snow machine helped us believe in a White Christmas.
An elf distributed song sheets

but I noticed that almost no one needed them. The children, already caught up in the magic, heartily sang the songs they knew and danced or enjoyed the grownup singing the rest of the time. For the adults, each familiar word brought back memories.








At 6:10 precisely, came the moment we’d been waiting for. The Mayor pushed the button that lit the giant Christmas tree, donated by a County resident.


The next morning, some of the same people and many others were on the Mall again for the big parade. Led by the American Army’s Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps,and followed by bands, choirs, dancers and decorated golf carts, it made its way down the eight blocks. The fun thing about a parade in a smaller community is that almost everyone has a sister or father or aunt to wave to.
Though the distance travelled was short, progress took time as every group stopped several times to sing, dance or play for an appreciative crowd.














When Santa had passed, we reconvened at the Amphitheater –usually a venue for outdoor country or rock concerts but, today, the site of a Historical Pageant to honor Virginia history and the True Meaning of Thanksgiving. A local middle school band played the Star Spangled Banner to start. Another middle school choir led us in America the Beautiful to finish and, in between, Presidents Madison, Monroe and Jefferson, as well as Madison’s wife, Dolly, reminded us of the bravery of the patriots who had fought for our freedom and all we had to be thankful for.
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play for us


President Madison and Dolly arrive

An hour later, uplifted and thankful, we streamed back to the Mall for lunch and, the merchants hoped, that other great holiday tradition – Christmas shopping. The 2009 holiday season was launched!