From time to time I hear murmurs of discontent about the state of the Christmas season. People worry that we are not celebrating it correctly, that we have forgotten its meaning, that its significance is not what it used to be and that, however we celebrate it, we are doing it all wrong. Well I am here to tell you that Christmas has not died, at least not here. Christmas is alive and well in White Springs! The evidence is all around us. The Christmas spirit is here, all we have to do is take a part in it to experience its beauty and feel its power.

It started for me with the sponsor’s reception for the Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster State Park. So many beautiful lights and decorations, but they were just the backdrop for the brightest lights of the season, the people and companies and staff and volunteers that contribute of their time and money to make this annual event a success. Why do they do it? Well, there is recognition given to those who contribute, but recognition is not the real reason for their efforts. What they really get out of it is that wonderful feeling of being part of a community, a community that comes together to create light and music and joy and togetherness. A community that knows that the smiles on children’s faces is but a reflection of the joy in partaking in the seasonal effects that they have helped to create. They know, deep inside, that this is important work that has the tangible benefit of being a part of something bigger and better than much of the work they do the rest of the year. They are Christmas!

Then there was the White Springs Christmas Parade! After many years of volunteering, this year I enjoyed the parade from a different perspective, a spectator! From our porch and yard Merri and I and our friends felt the anticipation as we heard the sirens and saw the flashing lights coming down U.S. 41, and we quickly got the feeling that it wasn’t just a parade we were seeing, it was a real, true, dear and sweet homemade Christmas, marching down the highway right in front of our house! It was the real and tangible evidence that Christmas was here! I could see it and hear it and feel it with every person that passed by, waving and smiling and singing and shouting, “Merry Christmas!” Don’t try to tell me or any of the other children of all ages that saw that parade that Christmas is not what it used to be. We know better! We saw it with our own eyes!

And if any of you doubt the existence of Santa Claus, I’ve got good news! The children of White Springs had breakfast with him last Saturday. Santa’s Elves showed up at Stephen Foster Park early, set the tables, prepared the pancakes and sausage, served everyone with a smile and stayed after it was over to clean up and do the dishes! They saw Santa in the wonderment of every child there. They saw Santa in the gifts that were given to every single child in attendance. Studio quality pictures of Santa were taken with each and every child. Santa was there, Christmas was there!

Then came the final proof that Christmas is alive and well in White Springs. The annual Christmas Tour of Homes! The homes on the tour were beautifully decorated and hosted by the wonderful hosts who shared their space and told the stories of their dwellings. Refreshments were served at every home and at the Telford Hotel, which opened especially for the occasion. White Springs citizens were joined by people from the around the region and campground dwellers from all around the country! The proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards next year’s Breakfast with Santa. Thanks to Brenda Gipson of the Adams Country Store and the White Springs Special Events Committee and all the hosts who opened their home and businesses to the tour, Christmas is alive and well in White Springs!

White Springs has been officially recognized as part of the Florida Quilt Trail that now encompasses the communities of Trenton, Madison, Lake City, Live Oak, Englis, Chiefland, High Springs, Horseshoe Beach, Branford, Monticello, Wellborn Williston, Jensen, Jasper, Bell and Yankee Town. White Springs was in on this project at the beginning and now has 22 quilt blocks on display and the White Springs Quilt Trail is still growing. Bienville Plantation was the latest addition with two quilt blocks on display there. Thanks go out to Merri McKenzie for being the organizer and the driving force for White Springs’ part in the Florida portion of the National Quilt Trail.

In this age of so many uncertainties I hope that you are now reassured of the survival of Christmas. If you can’t find it where you are, come to White Springs, where Christmas is alive and well!

Now that you’ve heard from me, I need to hear from you! I hope that you will remember that I love to report the good news about life in White Springs. If you have a story or some good news that you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you! I am thankful that we truly are all connected and, as always, I look forward to seeing you out and about, enjoying your community and your life in White Springs.

Walter McKenzie

386-303-1394

lifeinwhitesprings@gmail.com