It’s a Hallmark kind of Christmas

My little village of East Aurora sure knows how to do Christmas. 

Every December, they pull out all the stops to ensure holiday cheer is alive and well all over the streets of the village.  There are free Christmas movies, such as It’s A Wonderful Life and Miracle of 34th Street, at the local one-screen theater, and even a carol-singing night complete with free hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.

Last weekend, my husband and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the free screening of Home Alone, perhaps our favorite childhood Christmas movie.  We’re both ‘elder’ millennials, (which means we didn’t get cell phones until well into college and remember the horror of dial-up internet) and hearing a much younger generation shriek with laughter at Kevin McCallister’s antics was music to our ears.

We also have a ‘Grinch Day,’ pictured above, during which a local collector brings his treasures–real movie props!–to the theater for everyone to enjoy.  How cute is that?!

This past weekend, always celebrated in the middle of December, was the 46th Annual Carolcade.  In the words of a dear friend, it’s ‘the most Hallmark thing our town does,’ and she’s absolutely right.

(Photo credit: Taste of East Aurora Facebook Page)

Hundreds, maybe thousands, gather no matter the weather to sing carols on Main Street.  This year we did more mingling with friends than singing, but we had fun just the same. There is a ‘holiday tent village’ set up selling crafts and goodies, as well as a few bonfires for warmth.

Our village also hosts the Caroler 5k on the same day as the Carolcade, a favorite with local runners, especially those who like to dress in costume! See me, below, running with a girlfriend:

(Photo credit: Stacy Grinsfelder)

Because our anniversary (Dec. 17) is always close to the date of the Carolcade, Andrew and I have chosen to use that day to celebrate. It feels extra festive!  We sandwiched carol singing with dinner at our favorite place, Rick’s on Main, then saw a free showing of Christmas Vacation at the theater to end the night.  This year makes 13 years of marriage!