Old-Fashioned Christmas brings community together

Published 3:38 pm Monday, December 4, 2017

By Joyanna Love

By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Laughter filled the air as the scents of popcorn and Mexican food greeted attendees to the Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration in Maplesville on Dec. 3.

The event featured music and food, Nativity Scene displays, the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and a visit from Santa and much more.

Donica Knight kicked off the musical presentations with a few Christmas songs.

“I love this little town,” Knight said. “It was fun getting together and celebrating Christmas. It’s really neat that the town comes together and gives away everything.”

Valle Grande Mexican Grill had free tacos and nachos. Cahaba Medical Care was handing out “cheer pills” and hot cider. Amanda Brown of Cahaba Medical said she enjoyed getting to patients and other town residents during the event.

“I have been absolutely amazed at how God put all of this together,” Cheryl Holmes said. “As the semi-chairperson. I’ve been involved in big things before, but this has been better than anything I’ve been in before.”

She said every member of the organizing committee followed through with what they said they would do.

Guardian Credit Union had a craft set up.

“We believe in supporting the community … we just want our customers and members to know that we appreciate them,” Teresa Perry of Guardian Credit Union said.

The ornament project was chosen because it was “something people of all ages could enjoy.”

In the Maplesville Library, children created ornaments with cereal and pinecones and ornaments out of pipe cleaners for the outdoor tree. Elf Carol Lanier was also on hand for story time.

“I think this is a really great idea,” Library Director Savannah Kitchens said of the event, commenting on how everyone was talking and having a goodtime.

At another ornament making station, town employees smothered pinecones in peanut butter and children rolled them in seeds. These ornaments were also placed on the outdoor tree.

“It turned out really good,” Maplesville Mayor W.C. Hayes said.

Several area churches performed in front of Maplesville Baptist Church. Others had tables set up and were giving away refreshments or hosting games for the children.

John Lanier of Eclectic said it was “energizing to see the community come out and support this.”

“It brings a sense of community that is needed in small towns,” John Lanier said. “I’m very impressed.”

Alex Thomas said he enjoyed the popcorn most of all.

Erica Wyatt of Clanton said the event was a good opportunity to get in the Christmas Spirit and do something fun with her daughter Alicia in a safe place.

“Everybody is smiling, happy,” Erica Wyatt said.

Megan Niswander said she especially enjoyed watching her son Carson Stephens play the games.

“This is my son’s second year being around Christmas time and this is the first year (for the event) so we wanted to come and help support the community and have fun,” Niswander aid.

Dustin Stephens said he wanted to come to the event to see “the whole town being together.” His favorite activity of the day was the horse and carriage rides.

Debbie Freeman of Maplesville said she hoped the event would become an annual tradition. “The friendly atmosphere” as if everyone knew everyone else was what she enjoyed most.

The event ended with a special presentation by Cheryl Holmes playing an older Mary remembering Jesus life on earth and the lighting of the Christmas Tree made possible with some help from Boy Scouts Troop and Pack 33.

 

 

 

 

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