Christmas memories in Greenwich

Written by Lizzy Trotta
Thursday, 08 December 2011 01:00

Maybe it’s the unusually warm weather, but to think that Christmas is only a few weeks away boggles my mind.

It seems to me that just yesterday we were celebrating last Christmas, and a little piece of me would love to go back there, because it was unique in the fact that it was the first Christmas I have ever spent away from Greenwich.

Last year we went to Dublin, a truly unforgettable trip, and one of the most powerful memories I have is of the Annual Christmas Festival of Dublin, which left the whole city glistening with Christmas spirit.

Fresh Christmas trees dusted with a new coat of powder snow beckoned customers from every corner to see their beauty as the hearty and enthusiastic vendors tried to encourage the crowd to buy them. Nutcrackers, hand-crafted necklaces and ornaments, cozy scarves and hats lay on every table luring us.

Christmas turkeys and yams were displayed proudly in windows. And Irish music echoed throughout the streets, mixing beautifully with the cold, sweet winter air.

In all honesty, words cannot describe this scene with proper justice. Its beauty should have been part of a fairytale because nothing could have been more perfect. And as I look back on that festival, it seems to epitomize the idea of Christmas spirit. Although a little piece of me would love to go back there, I’m comforted by the fact that here in Greenwich we have little traditions just as beautiful and rewarding.

Seeing the lights sparkle, wrapped around the trees and poles throughout town, they almost ready the scene for Christmas and the winter season. Walking down the streets, they light our paths and serve as a reminder of the true purpose of the Christmas season … to bring light and joy into others’ lives.

Helping to bring joy to others typifies one of the most important annual holiday events in the Town of Greenwich — the Toys for Tots drive. In its 11th consecutive year, the Toys for Tots program collects toys for the U.S. Marine Corps to give to children who wouldn’t receive any presents otherwise. What is special about this program is that it gives the opportunity to the fortunate to help those who truly need it.

The spirit of giving has even extended itself the Greenwich High School. The Heroes Club is looking for different items for the care packages it is sending to the troops for the holiday season and the Habitat for Humanity Club is building Santa’s workshop.

To see the whole community, young and old, becoming involved with the Christmas spirit of giving is more promising and more beautiful than the Christmas fair in Dublin!

Lizzy Trotta is a sophomore at Greenwich High School.

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