Although there were many festive tree-lighting ceremonies in the region this past weekend, Greenbelt would not be outdone. If there was a contest, the city could easily have won Best Hometown Feeling during the 84th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2. Set against a beautiful backdrop of a crisp early December evening, smiles and laughter could be seen and heard throughout Roosevelt Center. The holiday music and bright, festive lights strung throughout helped to set the mood for the crowd.
A Welcome Return
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, many gathered in the Center to mark the start of the holiday season. Friends and neighbors got the chance to socialize as they had before. Chris Cherry, performing arts coordinator at Greenbelt Recreation, who opened the program, said, “People are just so happy to be back doing communal events. The children are very excited to see Santa.”
Community-building
Mayor Emmett Jordan gave a holiday greeting and remarks, as he relayed updates on Santa’s location and built the excitement. “The tree lighting brings us back to the traditional spirit of the holidays way back in 1937. Whatever tradition that you choose to observe in your household, whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the winter solstice, let’s all share this common gratitude for the moment,” said Jordan. He encouraged viewers to make a point to meet and talk to someone they didn’t know “because that’s what the season is all about, celebrating community; it is such a powerful thing.” In keeping with the sense of community, Jordan and Councilmember Ric Gordon led the crowd in reciting the community pledge.
Singing and Dancing
Jordan and Gordon led fellow carolers in a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells as the crowd waited for Santa. The Greenbelt Concert Brass Choir serenaded the crowd with Christmas carols. Families happily belted out Deck the Halls and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer while little children skipped, played tag and laughed out loud.
Santa’s Arrival
An antler-clad Greenbelt Police patrol car had the honor of leading the way, while classic vintage cars heralded the much-anticipated arrival of Santa. Children, and even some adults, jumped up and down in excitement at the sight of the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department Engine, the chosen chariot for good old Saint Nick. Amid the shouts and cheers and a few “ho, ho, hos,” Santa made his way to the stage and greeted onlookers. He joined Jordan in the tree-lighting countdown and handed out candy canes. Marcia Harrington, a new transplant to Greenbelt, said, “it’s exhilarating and moving to see the kids so engaged, and the energy here is so high.” “It’s a great way to start the holiday season,” said Michael Brown.
The Grinch Returned
To complete the festivities of the evening, the Old Greenbelt Theatre featured a free showing of the original Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as it has done annually until the tree lighting was suspended for Covid. The family movie was an excellent way for different generations to connect.
Historic House
The Greenbelt Museum’s Deco the Halls exhibit displayed vintage 1930s-style decorations at its open house. Visitors were transported back in time as docents shared stories of how the first Greenbelt residents would have spent their first Christmas. Museum Director Megan Searing Young was knowledgeable and willing to share the early history of Greenbelt living and how the community has become more diverse over the years.
Sustenance for Revelers
Volunteers served up hot chocolate, ginger cookies, peppermint and clementines near the tree. The oranges were in keeping with the tradition of the original first Greenbelt tree lighting when the gifts of fruit were considered special. The New Deal Café, Generous Joe’s, Cedars of Lebanon and DMV Pizza all were packed with hungry patrons, while the Beijing Chinese restaurant was able to accommodate a large crowd, who were treated to a great view of the classic cars that had escorted Santa. Public Works Department and the Zero Waste Team were on hand to ensure no waste was left behind, and much was recycled or composted. A phenomenal job was done, as Roosevelt Center was spotless shortly after the event ended.
At last check, Santa had safely made it back to the North Pole and the children of Greenbelt were nestled in their beds.
