Wayfaring Wednesday: Tree Lighting Events

Welcome to Wayfaring Wednesday! My career as a real estate agent takes me all around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. Though I wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique blend of urban and rural charm this region offers over the last 20 plus years that I have called this region home. Wayfaring Wednesday is a Newsletter for www.wayfaringLancaster.com my Buy Local- Buy Small initiative.

My passion for small businesses stems from my varied experience in Commercial and Residential Real Estate. I am captivated by the vibrant communities and quaint towns that dot the landscape of Lancaster County. I am inspired by the business owners that build this rugged terrain. I invite you to explore and enjoy Lancaster with me, discovering its hidden gems and embracing the sense of community that makes this area truly special. And of course I will share relevant real estate and homeownership tips that should interest you along your journey. Wayfarer on!

One Christmas, I remember sitting at 2 a.m., staring at the golden angel decorations on a tree, overwhelmed by my situation and pain. I sat there, silent, while a complete stranger stayed awake just to sit with me, saying nothing. For a long time, the gold glimmer of Christmas angels was a painful trigger for me. But now, it’s a reminder of a difficulty overcome, a pain that has passed, and a stranger’s kindness.

When I approach Christmas, I don’t always have positive feelings. Yes, I’m one of those people who doesn’t really like Christmas…but it’s not that I truly dislike it. It’s that I remember Christmases from childhood to the present—some were pleasant, and some were hard. I remember Christmas tragedies and losses. I’ve truly experienced some of my hardest days at Christmas.

The thing is, when we experience difficulty or tragedy near a stop sign, we might associate that tragedy with stop signs the first 100 times or so. But after a while, the negative memory fades, and the association loses its impact. Eventually, we can see a stop sign without being triggered. The holidays, however, are different. They only come once a year, so we don’t reach that “100 times” point. Instead, the memories stay fresh and complicated—sadness for the joyful holidays long gone, grief for the holidays that weren’t what we wished they could be, and fear that we may never shake the bad memories. On top of that, everything gets hyped with “happy, happy, happy.”

Still, I am truly grateful for this Christmas. Not because I have more money—nope! Not because I’ve forgotten the bad memories. Not because I expect a special vacation or extraordinary experience.  

I’ve learned something about Christmas through the hard times. The joy was never in the stuff, the decorations, the excitement, or the hype. The joy is in knowing that there was beauty in even the “bad” memories. There was resolution and closure. Christmas reminds me now that tough things happen, but I got through them. My children grow and become amazing people, and I can find peace knowing they will make their own lives and memories. I don’t have control over much, but I do have a choice in how I respond. I can find joy in the simple glow of holiday lights, the charm of Christmas songs, and the excitement of kids opening gifts. I can choose to laugh at a dessert gone wrong. I can appreciate the one person who thanks me, rather than dwell on those who don’t.

Christmas carries difficult memories—but it also embodies overcoming, healing, growth, and the hope of a better tomorrow. Just as the baby in the manger grew to become the man who bore our sins on the cross, there is profound joy in the memory of that child lying in a humble feeding trough. His life, marked by love, led to a sacrificial death, and the beauty of the story lies in its ending—our salvation.  

I challenge you to find joy in the memories of difficult times, simply because they are over. Find comfort in grief for a lost loved one, knowing you were privileged to have loved and been loved by them. Remember the joyous Christmases that can’t come again, because new joys will come.  If this is, or becomes, a hard Christmas for you, try to find some joy anyway—even if it’s just in the kindness of a stranger or the glimmer of gold on a tree.

Don’t trade the joy of the season for sorrow over the past. Be grateful for the gold of the now.

Places in Lancaster for Christmas Gatherings

Lancaster County offers a variety of venues to host memorable Christmas gatherings, whether you’re planning a small family celebration, a festive office party, or a larger community event. Obviously, call these places to confirm they are still open for this, but here are some options to consider:

Rustic and Cozy Venues

1. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum – A charming historic setting with rustic barns and event spaces.

2. The Barn at Silverstone – A beautifully restored barn offering a cozy, upscale atmosphere.

3. Smucker’s Barn – A rural, scenic venue perfect for holiday cheer.

Elegant and Upscale Spaces

4. Cork Factory Hotel – A boutique hotel with stunning spaces for gatherings and a cozy holiday vibe.

5. Eden Resort & Suites – Multiple banquet rooms and catering options for all sizes of events.

6. Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square – A downtown venue with modern elegance and convenience.

Family-Friendly Options

7. Lititz Springs Park – Rent a pavilion or enjoy the festive decorations.

8. The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate – A family-friendly location with stunning holiday light displays.

9. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm – A fun and casual spot for group celebrations, with seasonal attractions.

Unique and Themed Experiences

10. Kitchen Kettle Village – Ideal for smaller gatherings with quaint shops, restaurants, and a festive atmosphere.

11. Fulton Steamboat Inn – A themed venue with unique charm and holiday specials.

12. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania – A one-of-a-kind space to celebrate surrounded by history and trains.

Wineries and Breweries

13. The Vineyard at Grandview – Host your gathering in a picturesque setting with local wines.

14. Spring House Brewing Company – A laid-back option for a casual holiday party.

15. Thorn Hill Vineyards – An intimate venue for wine lovers looking to celebrate.

Community Centers

16. Lancaster County Parks – Rent a lodge or indoor space, like the Environmental Center at Central Park.

17. The Junction Center – A versatile space perfect for music-themed or larger events.

Many of these locations offer catering and customizable packages, ensuring your Christmas gathering is as festive and seamless as possible.

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