By KATHARINE FRIEDMAN
Correspondent
To say the holidays are the busiest time of the year would probably be an understatement.
Between deciding where the family is going to celebrate, buying gifts for loved ones, standing in ridiculously long lines and decorating the house, the reasons why we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa are often forgotten — but not completely.
Every town has events and traditions important to all, as they remind us the holidays are the time for families, friends, neighbors and even communities to come together as one and feel joy.
In Keyport, the community came together for the annual tree lighting on Nov. 26. Waterfront Street was shut down for a few hours so families could take their children to see a Christmas tree light up the sky, enjoy performances from schools and a DJ and sip hot chocolate and apple cider.
However, attendees were also in for a big treat. Santa Claus took the time out of his busy schedule to meet the children and listen to their Christmas wishes.
A lot of work went behind the scenes to create the holiday feel. Robert Aumack and Tom Gallo have been a part of the event for five years and they, along with volunteers, work hard to make the tree lighting and so much more possible.
“We do it for the holiday spirit for the town,” said Aumack. “We are very community oriented, to celebrate the season with everyone.”
To make this tree lighting a little more special they added Santa’s Workshop, allowing children of all ages to create their own ornaments. They could either take their creations home or place them on the Keyport Christmas tree before the lighting.
A magnificent tree was placed in between buildings on West Front Street and decorated with lights and the handmade ornaments from children. In a short amount of time, four of Santa’s elves arrived to brighten up the festivities and put smiles on children’s faces.
After performances from the Keyport Grammar School Band and Choir along with dancers from Keyport High School, children were given big candy canes. When told, the children placed the candy canes on the Christmas tree and the tree lit up for an amazing sight.
The excitement was not done yet. After a long wait, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrived. Santa took the time to greet the families and asked every child, “What do you want for Christmas?”
The people of Keyport may not need to go into the city and stare at a humongous tree surrounded by others when they can stay closer to home and friends for their own tree.
The event gets bigger every year for Aumack and Gallo, but as long as people come and children are smiling, they are thrilled.
“It’s the time of the year where everybody needs to chill out, … have some free hot chocolate or apple cider, just come out and have a good time,” said Gallo.