FALMOUTH – Some years when the weather is just right, that preferred blend of crispy, clear and cold, it seems like the whole town comes out for the Annual Lighting of the Falmouth Village Green.
The Village Green, usually Puritan spare and devoid of any ornamentation, becomes a winter wonderland of diaromas and decoration, including a large model train set and, of course, Santa’s sleigh pulled by reindeer.
Little children wander around and look in wonder at the lights and displays. Older children, hopped up on hot chocolate, are running through the crowds, playing private games. Even teens are there, reliving childhood memories.
The Falmouth Town Band brass section entertains with Christmas carols while the lights of the “tree,” really the green’s flagpole festooned with colorful strings of lights forming a tree shape, are reflected in the bell of the band’s tuba.
The doors of the First Congregational Church of Falmouth are wide open, and wreaths bedeck in all the church windows.
The lighting of the green puts the holiday season into high gear but it also hearkens back to a simpler time of community. Only a few are checking their cellphones. Most seem to be breathing in the simple pageantry of small town life.
Smells of hot chocolate, neighbors greeting neighbors, hugs and kisses, children sitting on Santa’s knee, families holding hands, warm wooly mittens. A few of our favorite things.
