16th Annual Christmas In Berlin
Christmas wasn’t always the hustle and bustle, and glitz and glamour that today’s commercialization of the sacred holiday has made it out to be. It wasn’t always about long lines of semi-angry shoppers waiting to purchase the newest and hottest toys on the market. It wasn’t even about the big man in the red suit with the twinkle in his eye, who magically traverses the globe whisking his way down chimneys to bring joy to all good girls and boys.
No, in the old-fashioned spirit of Christmas, the meaning behind the celebration was to observe and honor the birth of the Christ child, and the bright lights, presents and commercialization of the season were instead filled with an emphasis on the bond of family, goodwill and compassion for fellow man. The celebration of Christmas was centered around a tiny stable, some animals, a young married couple and some shepherds, who huddled on a wintry evening around a simple yet inviting manger, where lay a child who would one day change the world with the grandest act of compassion ever seen.
Old fashioned Christmas was gathering around Grandma’s stove, waiting for that batch of cookies to appear, piping hot, ready to be decorated. It was about the laughter of family and friends in the living room, where opening presents was secondary to engaging relationships. Christmas was Pop reading by the fireplace, as wide-eyed children listened intently to Christmas tales, and flying over snow-laden ground to the neighbor’s house three miles away on the sleigh, just to sing carols and visit.
While the sound of sleigh bells and Grandpa snoring on his lounge chair may have been drowned out over time by the beeping, ringing and buzzing of electronic games, for the merchants of Berlin, Christmas still holds that special old-fashioned meaning.
The members of the Berlin Main St. Merchants invite you to join them on Friday, Nov. 27, in a celebration which embraces the true spirit of Christmas, from adoring the Christ child to singing carols and sharing the feelings of joy the season is designed to create. Festivities begin at 5:45 p.m.
The 16th annual Christmas In Berlin comes to town with a live nativity parade, candle lighting service and Christmas carols which are sure to make the season come to life in a new and meaningful way.
“Our goal from the beginning has been to remain true to the meaning of Christmas,” said Laura Burkholder, a member of the Berlin Main St. Merchants. This night is such a wonderful evening of joy and celebration as we focus on the true meaning of Christmas.”
This is an event which actually has its roots steeped in Christmas tradition. It began simply enough as a cast of about a dozen merchants wandering the streets of Berlin singing Christmas carols. It has blossomed into one which has blessed the many people who come back year after year to participate in an evening which leaves them feeling quite joyous about Christmas. The Christmas spirit flowed out of those few and emanated to many, and that spirit has been a part of the evening ever since.
“So often we get caught up in such a hectic pace at Christmas time,” said Burkholder. “This is a way of slowing everything down and trying to really appreciate everything that is great about the season.”
“We try to portray to people that this celebration is about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Elsie Sommers, another Berlin Main St. Merchant. “It’s not about getting presents and Santa Claus, but it’s about the birth of Jesus. That’s why we celebrate Christmas. We have stayed true to portraying the meaning of Christmas, and I think people respect that. We’ve heard from a lot of people who have said it’s nice that we offer something unique and true to the spirit of Christmas that’s not all about decorations and Santa Claus.”
Participants in the event hail everywhere from hometown Berlin to out of state. Burkholder said that she knows many people who have returned year after year to take part in the special night, despite having to travel from far away to get there. She also said that last year, she spoke with local Berlinites who had experienced the event for the very first time.
“We estimate the crowd last year to be about 2,500, and we’re expecting more this year,” said Burkholder. “It’s an exciting night because people seem to grasp the concept of the simplicity and authenticity which accompanies it.”
The Christmas parade features characters playing Joseph and Mary, the three magi, carolers in horse drawn wagons, the Little Drummer Boy, angels and shepherds, a stable of live animals like donkeys, sheep, horses, goats, camels and more. New to the parade this year will be a team of miniature Sicilian donkeys. Parading throughout the crowd during this time will be The Gingerbread Man and Frosty the Snowman, who will handing out candy to the children. All of the animals are provided by Schrock’s Amish Farm and The Farm at Walnut Creek.
Once the parade reaches the stage on the square, a hush will fall over the crowd as a local pastor reads the Christmas story of the birth of Christ, which will be followed by the inspirational candlelighting service which is as elegant as it is meaningful, as the light of a single candle spreads throughout the crowd, illuminating the darkness. Local entertainer John Schmid will lead in a host of carols, including Silent Night (with the final verse sung in German), which will officially close the event.
While the festivities may end there, many stores along Main St. will remain open until 8 p.m., and proprietors invite you to come join them for snacks and drink, and to peruse their shops, or you’re welcome to simply gad about town, enjoying the Christmas ambiance, chatting with old friends and making new acquaintances. In addition, the Berlin Lions Club member will be handing out free hot chocolate along Main St., a welcomed addition to what can be a nippy evening affair.
“That will just add to the idea of generosity and goodwill we all should share during the Christmas season,” said Burkholder.
Come join this beautiful experience, as Berlin celebrates Christmas filled with joy and peace, the old-fashioned way.
