Let's Celebrate

Holidays have always been an important part of our family life, especially that big holiday that comes in December. In the 50s and 60s, the town square of Albia was decorated every year with thousands of colorful lights. It was rumored that some of the major airlines diverted flights to pass over our town, just so passengers could enjoy the sight.

The lighting ceremony always took place on the Sunday night after Thanksgiving. Most of the area school children would gather at one of the churches located just off the four corners of the square. At a given signal, well-bundled kids, carrying flashlights or candles, would begin walking toward the square singing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful." The four groups would meet on the south side of the square, where they were joined by the adults in the community. The mayor or the head of the Christmas committee or someone on some committee would welcome everyone. We would sing another Christmas song and then as the lights were lit, we would all sing "Joy to the World." I'm sure there was more to the ceremony than that, but this is how I remember it.

Then, on the following Saturday morning, Santa would arrive by firetruck with a bag of candy and a huge apple for every kid in town. And we all believed! Christmas was special.