I grew up in rural Maine, so getting a Christmas tree for me means trudging around acres of wood lots searching for the *cue angelic light* perfect tree to put in my family home for the next month.
Growing up in a place where there are usually soft blankets of snow on evergreens as far as the eye can see this time of year, the holidays don’t feel quite right in a city. Since I moved to Boston, I have searched for the perfect lineup of wintery activities that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside the way December in Maine always does. From overpriced holiday markets to cups upon cups of hot chocolate, I tried to get myself in the holiday spirit the way city mice seem to do. And I found my solace in public tree lightings.
Public tree lighting ceremonies are an entirely alien concept to me. The most you see of other Christmas trees where I’m from tends to be by catching glimpses from the car through warmly-lit windows in the hours of dusk.
Gathering with a group of strangers to watch a string of lights around a tree get switched on is a perfect example of how little moments can bring us so much joy. It is a display of humanity fit for a season of cold weather, gift-giving, and gratitude.
It wouldn’t be a Fenway community tree lighting without appearances by Wally and Tessie, beloved Green monstah mascots of the Boston Red Sox. To my surprise and great delight, treats in the form of Tasty Burger and Pavement hot chocolate were free to round out a deeply Boston-themed evening!
After a night where the chill sets deep into your bones, the community and joy from a gathering to watch a tree light up feels all the more comforting. Whatever this time of year means to you, finding joy in the mundane can make life so much richer. Looking for a little bit of that magic in a community tree lighting might bring you some light this winter.
