Holiday Spirit

Anyone who has read The Litchfield County Times over the years, especially our Passport and LCT magazines and seasonal special sections, has likely run across an old chestnut I find occasion to dust off at this time of year. Whether I'm springboarding from a particular town or taking a regional approach, I gently exhort readers about to embark on holiday shopping to pause and refocus, so that their expeditions become pleasant ones that involve time well spent in festively decorated area towns, and so that their holiday budget helps propel the local economy. In fact, the winter issue of Passport, (published Nov. 19) has just such a mini-feature, offering the overlooked borough of Bantam in the town of Litchfield as a shopping venue.


While I'm not immune to shopping in large brand name stores and don't mean to denigrate their place on the retail landscape, I argue (and believe) that the best and often unique gifts can be found in towns such as New Milford, Kent, Washington (and New Preston), Litchfield, Salisbury (and Lakeville), Woodbury and elsewhere. Add in stops for personal shopping, and interludes in the great coffee shops, patisseries and restaurants, and suddenly holiday shopping is transformed from fatiguing a mission to, well, a seasonal joy.


But that's not really what this blog is about. It's topic is the reverse side of the local holiday shopping coin, which is hometown holiday events and celebrations. There are plenty of them taking place (see the December LCT magazine, published as part of the LCT Nov. 26), and in underscoring their appeal here I'll mention just two towns, Litchfield and Washington.


Litchfield, as most know, is a top tourist destination within Connecticut---less in the winter than summer and fall---for its history, natural wonders and lifestyle amenities. It's also a town that takes seriously the salutary qualities of community gatherings that make use of the landmark green and the rest of the town center. The annual Litchfield Borough Days is one example, and a more recent entry was a First Thursday strolling/shopping/dining series of events last summer.

The holiday version of the hometown gatherings takes place this year on Nov. 28, beginning at 2:30 p.m., and if it follows form it will be a gathering of locals and visitors from surrounding communities for a handful of attractions that---truth be told---are endearing, fulfilling and a bit spartan all at once. An ice carving demonstration, horse-drawn hayrides, visits with Santa and crafts for kids are some of the highlights. It's not a lot, in one way, but families that attend are richly rewarded, remember the event fondly and look forward to the next year. Here are a few scenes from last year, in photos by Walter Kidd.

Washington is among the other communities that schedule events to bring out families for the holidays. It's version is an evening event called Holidays in the Depot. A 20-year tradition, it takes place this year on Dec. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. There's the classic tree lighting, along with Santa, music from local public school groups, wagon rides, hot chocolate and cookies, gifts sold at the senior center---and the bright lights and special appeal of all the shops staying open late.

The next day, on Dec. 11, the New Preston section of Washington is holding its own holiday event from 1 to 5 p.m., in which the concentrated cluster of shops will show off festively-decorated windows and other other promotion.

Here's a look at last year's Holiday in the Depot, in a photo by Walter Kidd.

Leading up the the holiday festivities in Washington is the Festival of Trees at the Gunn Memorial Library. It's launched with a cocktail party Dec. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. (donation $12/person or $20/couple.) and festive and uniquely decorated trees are available for sale. Other highlights, according to the library,  include "treasure pouches," chances to win fabulous prizes, such as dinner at local restaurants, tickets, and gift certificates. Ornaments by local artists will be available again this year. The trees will be on display through Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. To learn more about the lineup of events at the Gunn, which is essentially the cultural hub of the town, see the Web site at http://www.gunnlibrary.org.

These are just a few examples of what's available over the coming weeks, and while the holiday rush can be stressful, making time to visit area towns and participate in seasonal events can offer a whole new perspective on things. Enjoy and until next time.