To the Editor:

As I write this, it’s Small Business Saturday, and I’ve just come back from shopping in Sandy Hook Village, a place where local merchants welcome visitors with a warm smile year round.  It’s truly a wonderful place to do your holiday shopping – and this weekend, to share in the annual tree lighting festivities.

Saturday, December 7 is Sandy Hook’s 12th Annual Tree Lighting!  Festivities start at 4 pm with Karaoke, 3-D glasses, cookies, crafts, a visit from Santa, specials at local restaurants, jingle bells brace-lets, a wine tasting and so much more!  The tree will be lit at 6, and then you can stay to enjoy carols by the tree.

Certainly, with all we’ve been through as a community this year, the lighting seems extra special – a night to celebrate the joy, hope and love that have come to mean so much to our community.  It has always been a special night in Sandy Hook!

I recently came across a letter I wrote after the 2010 tree lighting.  In part, it said, “As we head into the holiday season, let us remember the joy that comes from these community gatherings and the hap-piness that comes when we are able to celebrate together. It is this community spirit, these acts of kindness, these signs of giving, that we must ensure last beyond the holiday season. Let’s challenge ourselves to carry this same spirit forward when there is no longer garland wrapped on our lampposts or lights lit on our tree.”

It reminded me that this kindness has always been a part of our community, and that while so much has changed since the last tree lighting in Sandy Hook, so much has not. The generous, welcoming merchants and kind, loving community have been here all along.  Saturday is a night to gather together and celebrate that joy.

Hope to see you in Sandy Hook!

Sarah Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook         November 30, 2013