Our Holiday Village Tree Lighting is Truly a "Joy to the World"

 

artwork by Julia Drake

 

Our Holiday Village Tree Lighting is truly a ‘Joy to the World’  

Like most people, we are all a little tense these days over ..well about .. a lot of things. Let us submit to you a somewhat rosier thought. This year is the 107th tree lighting at Argyle Park, December 7th, 4 P.M. Now, recall the Village tree lighting of many years past or maybe just last year. Remember the excitement on the kids' faces when Santa arrives on a fire truck? Or recall the tension on the queue line of neighbors controlling their anxious kids waiting to see Santa? Or more recently, listening to the cast members of the Argyle Theatre Shows singing holiday favorites. Then the count down to the lighting and that momentary thought of what happens if it doesn’t light? Thankfully, we have a very capable Public Works Department under the leadership of Scott Glenn. It’s all good..right? See... rosier thoughts. 

To continue with the Holiday outlook, maybe you ventured down to the Historical Society after the tree has been lit for a cup of wassail, while all the time wondering what exactly wassail is?  And yes, there are two versions being offered, one with an adult beverage and the other without while you are sampling cookies by Torta Fina. The tree lighting is an ageless source of good will to all and a guaranteed mood lifter. 

Of course, this blog post is written by the good folks at your Historical Society, so we are compelled to dish up at least one historical fact about a past tree lighting. In 1937, while Hitler and Franco were beginning their atrocities, besides lighting a tree, Mayor Cadman Frederick urged all residents of the Village to have their homes brightly lighted on Christmas Eve. This, he said, would be a fitting contrast to the blacked-out cities and villages of England and the Continent. He also urged a prayer of thanksgiving at this season of Christmas. If you would like to read more on the history of our tree lighting, we will be passing out a brochure the night of the lighting compiled by Mary Cascone, our Town Historian.  

The tree lighting is one of Babylon Village’s oldest and happiest traditions. We hope to see you there. It is a wonderous and magical time for our kids and the kickoff to the Holiday Season! It is a tradition that is truly a ‘Joy to the World’. 

Have a great Thanksgiving and Merry Holiday Season. 

Judy and Wayne and the entire Board of the Historical Society