The Season Of Seekers

‘Tis the season of the seekers… seekers of Xbox 360s, seekers of parking places, seekers of a little solace from not finding what is sought. This tradition of wandering around in the dark in December is an old one. From the pagan solstice celebrations of the ancients to this year’s “doorbuster” promotions at big box discount stores, people have been out there looking for that reassuring spark at the time of year when all the light seems to go out of the world. Fortunately, this is the weekend that Newtown really starts to sparkle with holiday spirit.

It all starts Friday evening with a flip of the switch at the town Christmas Tree in a Ram Pasture lit by luminarias. Thousands of lights and thousands more people will push back against the darkness to officially launch the holiday season in Newtown. The good tidings will spread out from that epicenter in the days that follow with fairs and food and music and even another tree lighting, this time in Sandy Hook on Saturday night. Sunday’s Holiday Festival, benefiting the Family Counseling Center, will fill Main Street and environs with people touring decorated historic homes with stops in between at a Festival of Trees, an antique show, and more live performances of music and dance.

We always find what we are seeking during this annual Holiday Festival weekend, and we are not just talking about presents and gifts. Ultimately, what everyone is seeking is a sense of belonging, with our families, friends, and the wider circle of acquaintance that embraces community life. That is where we find those reassuring sparks we are looking for. The dark of December is the inevitable denouement of each year’s natural cycle. If we must wander around in it, it is best to do it in the company of people we know and trust. You will find them out and about in Newtown this weekend.

A full listing of weekend events follows below.