Marblehead’s 53rd annual Christmas Walk and Holiday Stroll kicks off Thursday evening, a four-day celebration marking the quasi-official launch of a holiday season that we hope brings a measure of comfort and joy to all our readers, particularly after a year when comfort and joy often seemed in short supply amid sharp divisions, political and otherwise.
In the spirit of the season, and because Marblehead knows how to put on a blockbuster show, walkers and strollers will find a sleigh load of goodies from which to choose, beginning with Thursday’s Holiday Shopping Preview Night. Local merchants traditionally greet shoppers with free treats and enticing bargains, a practice that began years ago as a service to working adults squeezed for holiday shopping time.
Not only do shoppers benefit, but so do scores of local businesses that contribute richly to Marblehead’s commercial and cultural vibrancy. A town without chain stores and other cookie-cutter establishments thrives on, and justifiably takes pride in, its hometown merchants. We encourage readers to support them as generously as possible.
“Our businesses really drive our ability to do something like this,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katherine Koch told us during a recent conversation about this year’s Christmas Walk lineup. Chamber members number more than 200 and include nonprofits, seasonal businesses and enterprises large and small, she pointed out.
“This is very much a beloved town event,” Koch added, noting that Christmas Day coincides with the first night of Hanukkah, making this year’s festivities even more inclusive. “It’s a time to shop local while celebrating family and community. A time for family and friends to come together, put any disagreements aside, and celebrate the holidays. It’s magical, actually.”
The magic continues Friday with a tree lighting ceremony at National Grand Bank, featuring live musical performances and Marblehead veterans’ agent David Rodgers, the Chamber’s Person of the Year, being honored as ceremonial lighter in chief.
No Walk weekend would be worth its roasted chestnuts without the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, by lobster boat, followed by a colorful parade. Like its Fourth of July counterpart, this public display of holiday spirit never fails to delight participants and onlookers, young and old alike, adding up to what one Current letter writer described as “the ultimate spreader of holiday cheer in Marblehead.”
We could not have said it better ourselves.
There is more — much more — to Walk weekend, from arts and crafts shows and caroling concerts to the many holiday-themed programs held at houses of worship throughout our community. At Marblehead Museum’s Wonderland of Wreaths Auction and the Lee Mansion’s Gingerbread Festival, you’ll see awesome displays of local creativity, a cherished town trademark.
While we’re feeling festive, though, let us remember the less fortunate among us — and resolve to make their holidays a little brighter, too.
Organizations worth supporting include the Marblehead Food Pantry, the Making Ends Meet program and its Adopt a Family initiative (adoptafamilymhd@gmail.com), the Edith Dodge Fund and the annual toy drive sponsored by the Beacon Restaurant and Warwick Cinema. The latter honors the memory of Michael Havens, who ran the toy drive for many years in partnership with the Marblehead Fire Department and Gerry No. 5 Veteran Firemen’s Association.
Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at collection boxes throughout town, including Shubie’s, Mud Puddle Toys and the VFW on West Shore Drive. The goal is to collect 500 toys and games between now and mid-December.
Food Pantry donations (a list of recommended items can be found at marbleheadfoodpantry.org) are accepted Tuesdays at the Masonic Lodge on Pleasant Street and distributed to families on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Star of the Sea Parish Center on Atlantic Avenue. Please help fill up those pantry shelves and grocery bags.
Meanwhile, the Edith Dodge Fund will be gathering next week to wrap and then deliver gifts of cookies or clementines to residents aged 80 and over. To lend a hand, email lead elf Joan Cutler at joanhoop@gmail.com, and to help replenish the fund for next year’s gift giving, mail donations to Edith Dodge Fund, P.O. Box 1402, Marblehead, MA 01945. There will also be donation boxes at Marblehead Bank and National Grand Bank.
We urge Current readers to open their hearts — and wallets — to those in need while counting their own blessings this holiday season. To walk the walk, in other words, in more ways than one.
