Xenia is the place to be beginning on December 11. Why? Because Hometown Christmas 2008 festivities begin.
XAMA sent out an invitation that reads:
Hometown Christmas this year promises to be a wonderful event for families who live in and around Xenia. Last year the Xenia Merchants decided to try to recreate the Christmases of the past where families strolled the streets and carolers bundled up and sang not so much for the music but for the comradeship of a shared experience. Snow fell gently all day as carriages pulled by proud horses made their way through downtown traffic with their passengers waving and shouting holiday greetings to passersby. Many families stopped in at local businesses such as Bluejacket Books to hear stories being read by a perky elf in a Santa cap, have their picture taken at CJ’s Boutique with Santa, or make homemade Christmas ornaments at Express Yourself. Friends greeted one another at Carr’s Corner Restaurant and the Oasis all afternoon as they stopped in for coffee and cocoa and more than one young couple looked over a special Christmas gift at Tiffany’s or Country Blessings. People who never go donwntown stopped in to meet Tim and Val and Mary at the shops along E. Main St. We met old friends and made some new ones. In short, everyone had rosy cheeks and big smiles by the time Santa arrived at Towne Square at dusk to light the community Christmas Tree and listen to the lines of children waiting patiently to pass along their Christmas wishes.
Join us again this Thursday through Saturday as Xenia’s citizens and merchants show their legendary hospitality once again. Festivities begin Thursday evening at Shawnee Park with Santa’s arrival at 6 PM and end on Saturday as the last child sits on Santa’s lap. This year Hometown Christmas will feature a Historical Walk on Friday at 11 AM leaving from the Greene Co. Historical Society on W. Church St., live music both Friday and Saturday evenings at Xenia Towne Square, and horse drawn carriage rides for a nominal fee all afternoon on Saturday. For the full schedule of events please visit www.ShopXenia.com or phone Carolyn Archer at CJ’s Boutique 620-0517.
Donations and carriage sponsorships are still being accepted to help with the considerable expenses involved in this event. For donation information, contact Elizabeth Svendsen at Bluejacket Books, 376-3522. Musicians wishing to participate in the Open Stage on Friday or Saturday or carolers wishing to participate should contact Alan King at Express Yourself Coffeehouse, 372-7446.
Yes, all are welcome to visit Santa Claus, enjoy some of Xenia’s history, savor the Christmas cheer, and even shop a little.
A calendar of events is available at the XAMA website.
Merry Christmas!!!