A New Tradition?

Tonight we headed out in the COLD with friends to attend a tree lighting in a nearby city. The description read something like this... "Gather in the park for carols and tree lighting, then proceed to the fire station for cookies, cocoa, cider, holiday music and a visit from Santa Claus!" FUN!

We arrived at the park at ten 'til six (the event started at 6) and were amazed to find open parking spaces RIGHT in front. We both wondered if I'd gotten the date right, but there were a few people milling around so we decided it must be right. We unloaded everyone, bundled them all up and headed to the stage at the center of the park.

They had speakers set up on the stage and the emcee started the 'show'. We could hear about every fourth word. I think he said something like, "Welcome holidays board new season members where guest fire truck tree," but I'm not really sure.

After he talked a group sang a few songs which we also couldn't hear and then a fire truck with it's lights on came and dropped off Santa. All of the kids were excited about that but there was one problem... None of them could actually SEE him over the adults. Santa led us in one of the saddest (lousy sad, not crying sad) renditions of Jingle Bells we'd ever heard and then came the moment we'd all been waiting for... THE TREE LIGHGINT!

Santa counted us down... 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... ONE! TA DA!!

Yep! ONE TREE! Here we were in this fairly large park in the center of this town and they lit ONE tree. I mean... It was pretty, but... ONE TREE! And then the masses headed across the street to the fire station. We decided not to try it with a fussy baby and tired moms who didn't feel like standing in that line, so we promised the kids we'd take them to see Santa when he comes through our neighborhood and we played at the park. I guess swings will cure anything!

Will this be a new holiday tradition to add to my list? Who knows... We may or may not give it another chance next year, but we had a great time with good friends, and THAT is what is most important!