I'll admit that if it hadn't been an assignment, I would have spent Thursday night snuggled on my couch instead of braving the frigid weather at Marion's annual Christmas in the Park. But, in the end, I'm glad that I was there. I can honestly say that now because my fingers have thawed enough to type but I was thinking it as I sipped (OK. Gulped) hot cocoa, warmed my hands and watched families enjoying their town's annual Christmas tradition.
Every year Marion heralds the holiday season with this free event. Families are invited to listen to carolers, drink hot chocolate, nibble on popcorn and take their turn saying hi to Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the restored train car at the east side of Marion Square Park. Carolers dressed in their 18th century best treated those waiting in line to classic Christmas tunes and toward the end of the evening they lit up the park's Peace Tree.
Everyone was bundled up but the atmosphere was still festive. I was inspired by the number of people willing to brave the elements for their chance to say hi to the jolly couple. While they wouldn't risk frostbite standing in line to see Santa at the mall, they would miss out on the magic of a brisk winter night. As Nicole commented last week, seeing Santa somewhere like the park or Tannenbaum Forest has so much more memory-making potential than a hectic mall. I'm sure the parents of the little girl who was too scared to sit on Santa's lap but gave him a high five thought that moment was worth the wait. And when she's older, the parents of another little girl will probably love telling the story about the time they went to see Santa and she covered her eyes the whole time.
These memories are the sort of thing I love about Christmas. Sure I appreciate the gifts I got last year. But, the thing I remember the most is the look on our son's face when he stood up in bed and realized it was Christmas morning. At two, he was old enough to be excited but young enough to still be a little confused by all the hubbub. So, this year I'm not looking forward to the material things as much as the look on his face Christmas Day. On the same token, our tree is all the more special this year because he was old enough to help put it up. And, even though his idea of icing a gingerbread man is a little more modern art than my interpretation, they tasted better because they were his handiwork.
The people I talked to at the park had similar ideas about what makes the holiday season special. Their answers ran the gamut from lights to snow to music. Nearly everyone, though, mentioned family. And, only one person said presents. One woman summed it all up. Her favorite thing, she said, is "the reason for the season." Now, depending on who you are, that means something different to you. I don't know what she meant. But, I know that for me the reason for the season is family and friends and ending the year on a happy note, remembering the important things in life.
If you missed out on Marion's celebration, head to Hiawatha next week. Nicole will be there for Hiawatha's Light the Night Holiday Festival and Parade.