I don’t know how it happened so quickly, but the Christmas holiday season is almost here. This time of year is so enchanting. The twinkling lights in the downtown area, the wonderful displays at the outlet mall and the decorations that make each neighborhood bright and warm, these are few of the things that make living in Leesburg so special this time of year.
We have so many residents from different cultures that generously share their December holiday celebrations: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Winter Solstice, New Year’s Eve. Each of these holidays is special to those who celebrate them. I am so honored to have shared in so many of these holiday events with families and friends. Thanks to everyone who opens their homes, synagogues, mosques and churches and invites me in.
Christmas is the holiday my family celebrates. It was always a very special time for me, and I have many memories of those holiday celebrations. My father would take my brother and I out to the church Christmas Tree lot. Our older brother and sisters insisted it was Kevin and I’s turn to go pick out the tree (seemed it was always our turn.) We looked forward to it, especially taking the tree home to decorate. However, my father’s
aim was to go through every tree on the lot and hours later he would return to the first tree and purchase that one. We would get it home and start to decorate. The decorating began with glistening glass bulbs of which one of us would drop and break. My mother would lament how much she paid for them and for us to be more careful. We tried! The tree would be done to all our delight and then we went to bed to wait for Santa to bring all the presents on Christmas morning.
When I was five, I wanted a “big white teddy bear” for Christmas. That was all I wanted from Santa. When I came downstairs and saw my bear, I was ecstatic with delight and joy. That bear went everywhere with me and became my best friend. I still have the bear, and I still talk to her sometimes and I will swear that she talks back to me. It is a memory I still cherish with such delight.
Leesburg has so many events to give you joy and create memories this holiday season. There is a lovely tree walk on Dec. 7 on the George C. Marshall House. Each tree will be decorated by one of the countries that benefited from the Marshall Plan. A little bit before December the Village at Leesburg will be holding its tree lighting on Nov. 15. Leesburg Premium Outlets will also hold its tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 15. There is
the annual Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts show at Ida Lee on Dec. 6 and 7. There are so many wonderful vendors selling their handcrafted wares. The Town tree lighting ceremony will also be on Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. The Christmas parade starts at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 13. Get your tickets for the annual Jingle Jam concert on December 12, 13, and 14 with our very talented local musicians. This show is a really special way to enjoy the
music of the holidays. Leesburg Movement will be holding its Mistletoe Market on Dec. 6 on the Loudoun County Courthouse grounds. These events are organized for your enjoyment so check your calendar and join in with your neighbors and family.
I hope you will remember that the holiday season can be stressful for some of our neighbors. Please consider donating to one of your local nonprofits such as Loudoun Hunger Relief, or Loudoun Free Clinic or any other nonprofit helping our families and friends. You can help personally with a smile; it can go a long way when someone is lonely and sad. Please remember to be kind.
Let me leave you with the words of Ralph Waldon Emerson:
“This is my wish for you. Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so you can believe, confidence when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to know the truth, love to complete your life.”
Happy Holidays!!
When I was five, I wanted a “big white teddy bear” for Christmas. That was all I wanted
from Santa. When I came downstairs and saw my bear, I was ecstatic with delight and
joy.