December 2nd. we had planned to go to Methuen, as we have for any years, to see the Christmas trees.
The weather forecast was questionable....we thought about it the day before, about not going that is; but on the morning of the 2nd it was still dry and we are after all Red Hatters so....off we went.
On display were about 200 beautiful trees in so many colors and designs. There was also a smaller room with 30 smaller trees and 10 beautiful wreaths.
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Santa was off for this early morning crowd which were primarily seniors that got in free from 10 to noon.
When we left the hall the snow had started falling but only slowly and more rain/snow mix.
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We had our lunch at the Main St. Grill in Wakefield and spoke of the wonderful exhibit and how glad we were that we did not back away from going.
As always it was a most excellent day that really took us into the holiday spirit.
December 6th and it was the Polymnia Choral Society that used the theme of " Patterns In the Snow" at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church right here in Melrose.
There were 84 members in the choir this evening and the music was outstanding.
Murray Kidd was the artistic director ,along with Katrina Faulstich as assistant conductor; and Yerim Kang was the principal pianist.
The songs were solemn and uplifting. The voices blending in sweet harmony . There were joyful sing a longs and the hall was filled to capacity.
It was a wonderful way to spend an evening close to home.
December 7th and we moved ourselves to Waltham to see the Regal Players perform Christmas Time.
This was holiday at its best. Singers, dancers, and wonderful songs we all know and love.
There were young dancers, and younger children just enjoying themselves.
And of course Santa and his helpful elves. And of course The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.
The Nativity scene at the end was beautiful and spiritual and reminded us that perhaps in our lifetime there will someday be Peace On Earth.
December 16th and right here in Melrose at Memorial Hall we attended the Holiday Celebration.
Sponsors for the evening was in part by Mystic Valley Elder Services and ABC home healthcare.
The cost $15.00...The lunch meal....Garden salad, rolls & butter, meat lasagna (and vegetarian options)
and cheesecake for dessert.
The DJ for the evening was Alan Labella who kept the party going.
There was dancing
Entertainment was The Tap Class from the Milano center, and the Milano Choral Group; both performances were professional and fun to watch.
There were many volunteers and our old friend Stacy Minicello came in full Santa outfit.
and of course our own Mrs. Clause, Marie Dwyer, enjoying a dance with a young man.
Did I mention Cheesecake...
The party was put together by many volunteers but it could not have come to be except for the tireless efforts of Erica and James. Applause to them all.
It was a great party!
December 21st we were off to Jamaica Plain to listen to a story teller Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Margot Chamberlain on the harp and Tom Megan on the keyboard and guitar.
This was the evening of the Winter Solstice in Story & Song.
Diane is the Winner of the Oracle Award for Storytelling excellence in the Northeast and the National Circle of Excellence award. She bring the audience an evening of amazing portrayals of tales that makes the listeners go into the heart of the moment. " She is a storyteller in the grand tradition, a virtuoso of the spoken word..an entire cast rolled into one!" It is amazing as she transforms herself to characters that make the audience feel like children again wanting to just listen, feel warm, and listen for more.
Margot Chamberlain has accompanied Diane with harp and song since 1989. Her musical renditions solo or with Diane's story telling are heart warming and sincere. She has also performed with the Christmas Revels, The Museum of Fine Arts and many other venues. It is a joy to listen to her music.
Tom Megan is a composer, lyricist and book-writer for the musical stage. His traditional carol performances of "The Holly and the Ivy"on the keyboard was beautiful and his guitar song (written by himself) All Praise the Night was a fun filled holiday melody. There was a sing-a-long called "The twelve Days of Solstice!" , not the Twelve days of Christmas as words were changed and the audience sang along and laughed a lot.
A heart warming evening....just like kids listening to fairy tales...and that made us all feel good, really good.
As this month and this year ends I thank those of you that have read, and continue to read my Red Hat Reviews monthly.
We are fewer members, as we have lost many to age and illness, but we will endeavor to continue our adventures into 2026, and hope that you will follow us and pursue your own new adventures as well.
May the New Year bring you all good health and much happiness and....a heck of a lot of fun time.
