Bringing Hope & Light to the Holiday Season

The holidays bring memories of past times and anticipation for celebrations yet to come. The Christmas season is a time to cherish loved ones, family and friends, who are dear to us. In the spirit of giving, each December we invite people to share a bit of hope and light with others during the holiday season for our Making Spirits Bright Luminary event. 2022 marked the third year for this event. Its origins grew out of the pandemic. In 2020 during the pandemic, we needed a way to bring some “light”, hope” and “togetherness” to our community during the holiday season. As many recall, it was a time when folks weren’t able to gather together. The luminaries were a way to symbolically connect people with one another. The concept and event turned out to be a popular one and continues today. It truly is a wonderful way to bring joy to others while also showing support for Londonderry Village’s Good Samaritan Fund.

On the evening of December 19, 2022, the walking paths at our Shearer Family PlayPark glowed with the softness of 200 luminaires. Each displaying the name of special people being honored and remembered. Donors who participated and others were able to stop by to view this stunning scene. Trees wrapped with the soft glow of holiday lights illuminated the space and the outdoor fireplace shared its warmth. At the Playpark’s center courtyard, the beautiful vocals of “Sum of Each” filled the air with favorite a cappella tunes. Peopled gathered around the outdoor fire pit sipping hot cocoa and enjoying sweet treats while chatting and laughing. At one moment during the evening one of the guests even commented on how “it felt nostalgic and a bit like being in a Normal Rockwell painting.” Guests experienced the luminaries by talking a stroll through the lights, reminiscing and simply “catching up” with friends and family.

The luminaries gave a unique opportunity for people to not only pay special tribute to someone but also to create a feeling of “connectedness” as a community. All the luminaries shining together became as a bright symbol of community. On that evening no matter where each person may have been the light shared on that evening brought everyone together in heart, mind and spirit.

Thank you to all who participated in our Making Spirits Bright Luminary event. Community support certainly does make spirits bright. We appreciate the profound impact made not only on the evening of the event but also the lasting impact made for our elders as they receive care in the days ahead.

By Lisa Thomas