This week I’ve been thinking about Christmas traditions after another wonderful Holly Fair here at Colchester Federated Church. Thank you so much to Dick for your leadership and to everyone who helped make this event successful. Thank you to those who staffed booths and directed traffic and organized white elephant items. Thank you to those who donated and assembled gift baskets and those who cooked and served in the cafe. Thank you to all our bakers and makers (knit items and ornaments and decor, oh my!) Thank you to those who shopped or helped spread the word. Thank you!

I know that part of what makes the Holly Fair special for folks is reminiscing about past Holly Fairs. Perhaps you think about when your child was little and served in the cafe. Or maybe you think about folks who made signature items who are no longer with us. Anytime an event is held for decades there can be many memories attached. Or maybe it reminds you of holiday fairs or Christmas bazaars from days gone by in your own life.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions from my home church—Trinity UCC in Wadsworth, Ohio—still happens (and will take place this upcoming Sunday)! Every year congregation members go on a caravan from house to house to sing Christmas Carols to homebound members. Church members meet at Trinity and pile into cars. As a kid I remember dressing really warmly because we would stand outside in front of peoples’ homes to sing a few songs and wish them a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Folks sign up and our presence was expected throughout the evening. The adults organized the route through town.

The whole night felt like channeling the energy of Buddy the Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Maybe this is partly why Elf is my favorite Christmas movie!? Did we always have perfect pitch and sing in a four-part harmony? Nope! But we certainly spread Christmas Cheer!

The funny thing is I thought about caroling in Wadsworth during our church’s Holly Fair. Because Christmas songs were playing in the background and those songs made me think about a beloved Christmas tradition from my own childhood, a tradition that continues on to this day. It’s wild how that can happen sometimes. And what a blessing to be able to shine a little light and spread a little love at this time of year.

Love,

Pastor Lauren

Photo by Erwin de Gier on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 12/11/25