Season’s greetings

briaN J. loWNey

For many people the holiday season marks a special time of the year filled with beautiful memories, joy-filled celebrations with family and friends, and time-honored traditions.

During this magical time of the year, perhaps it’s time to recreate treasured recipes, reach out to folks in need of positive affirmation or a cup of tea or coffee, and bring some joy to the community. Here are a few simple and inexpensive holiday suggestions on how you can add some sparkle to the holidays! While many cities and towns throughout the South Coast are determining seasonal holiday plans, one community event for folks of all ages is set for December 4 and shouldn’t be missed. Swansea’s Holiday in the Village began in 2016 as part of the year-long celebration commemorating the town’s 350th anniversary. It has become a much-anticipated evening that brings together people of all ages together for neighborly fun and entertainment. At the Veteran’s Memorial Green, visitors are welcomed with a vintage inspired “Season’s Greetings” sign. After parking, visitors stroll to the beautifully lit Swansea Dam waterfall with a large cheerful wreath on display. Main Street is closed to traffic all the way to Elm Street, allowing folks to enjoy hundreds of luminarias prepared by the Boy Scouts. The Case High Band kicks off the festivities and gathers with attendees for the tree lighting ceremony. After the loss of the tree at the Junior High last year, a new one was planted and cared for by the Highway Department in honor of John McAuliffe, Swansea’s late town administrator whose playful rendition of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was enjoyed by guests at the Swansea Free Public Library that evening. During this holiday event, delicious cookies and hot chocolate can be found at Fire Station #1, provided by volunteer Fire Department members. Face painting, a magic show, crafts, and the touch-a-truck activities keep everyone busy. Each year, the Girl Scouts bring a new activity for everyone to enjoy. Holiday readings and crafts at the historic library are also a treat. Strollers will also be invited to visit The Stevens Home, rarely open the public, and will be welcomed at Stony Creek Farms, where a petting zoo and hay wagon rides add to the fun. During the family-oriented evening, Christ Church is at the heart of the celebration. A joyful choral concert in the church is a wonderful way to feel the spirit of the season. Next door at the hall, cookies will be decorated and children can enjoy time visiting with Santa Claus while holiday tunes play. Guests will enjoy a beverage and a light snack and share holiday greetings with friends and neighbors. “Each year the event has grown, with more activities and attendees,” says Joyce Moore, coordinator of Holiday in the Village. “It is a magical evening that brings our community together,” Moore adds. “Keep an eye out for information on the Holiday in the Village Facebook page and the town’s website. “Hold the date and come to enjoy the fun on December 4!”

fiNdiNg saNta

For folks who don’t believe in Santa Claus, you haven’t met “Santa” Joe Dawicki from Mattapoisett who was called five years ago to bring smiles and goodwill to his community because he has Christmas magic in his heart. “Each year my skills are honed when I receive Top Secret instruction from Jolly old St. Nicholas,” shares the

Mya doyle toasts a MarshMalloW for s’Mores at sWaNsea’s holiday iN the village

popular South Coast resident, noting that the training comes from the New England Santa Society. “This group is for anyone who is or has interest in being Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, an elf, a reindeer or any other Christmas-related role,” Dawicki continues. “Others involved in groups, organizations, businesses, or services related to Santa and Christmas are also welcome to join. The group is for those in New England and nearby areas. We strive to produce monthly get-togethers across the six New England states. “We hope this will be a resource to meet each other, share experiences, exchange ideas, offer advice, and provide information,” he continues. According to Dawicki, this past August, more than sixty Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and Elves met in New Hampshire. For three days, they spent full days in class and evenings sharing what Santa had taught them over the years. Dawicki, who keeps a busy calendar during the last two months of the year appearing at local holiday events, emphasizes that it is important to know that the real Santa – whose real name is St. Nicholas – was born March 15, 270 A.D.. St. Nicholas was an orphan and raised by his uncle, who was a priest. Nicholas initially started his gift-giving when he learned of a poor family with three daughters who could not afford to pay a dowry, which was the custom back then. Young woman would be sold into slavery if their father was poor. So, the story goes, St. Nicholas snuck into their home as each daughter became of age and placed gold coins in the stockings. This beautiful tradition continues today with chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. According to legend, when St. Nicolas’s community heard about the secret gift giving, others started to help the less fortunate, and children. St. Nicholas even saved a kidnapped boy and returned him to his mother. Children being excited with hopes of his visit started leaving carrots for his horse and small gifts for him. “Today the tradition of cookies and milk are left on Christmas Eve,” Dawicki shares. “Santa always likes you to leave him some cookies. Because he can’t eat them all at once, he brings the extras to the North Pole and locks them up in Mrs. Claus’s cookie room. Then he shares them with his Elves throughout the year. Before the room had a lock, the Elves had a party one night and ate too many cookies and got bellyaches.” Dawicki adds that Santa arrived in New York as reported by the press in 1773. Santa’s popularity grew. In 1890 he visited the first Department store in Brockton, Massachusetts. And in 1897, young Virginia O’Hanlon wrote to the Sun newspaper and the Editor confirmed, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa.” On November 6, Santa will be at the New Bedford Masonic Lodge building 435 County Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., collecting new unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Bring your cameras – the Masons will also be taking pictures which will be emailed to parents. So keep your eyes open, your heart full, and have a magical Christmas season!

briaN J. loWNey is a freelance writer based in Swansea. He is the author of “Unconditional Love: Pet Tales to Warm the Heart”, which is available in local bookstores.

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