Six holiday traditions, village style
Sholeh Patrick
On Christmas Eve in the quiet town of Arlington, Vt. — the state’s first capital — the town’s 2,400 residents have a sweet tradition (Vermonters love to say, "sweet"). At precisely 6 p.m. they step outside and ring a bell, for precisely two minutes. Imagine it: stars shine above the mountains flanking the Battenkill River, no sound but bells ringing in the holiday spirit. Giving Santa that extra boost to help him through the night.
After the jingle bells ring, some of Arlington’s residents sing — you guessed it — “Jingle Bells.”
At Roscoe Village along Ohio’s Erie Canal, much like Coeur d’Alene’s tradition the day after Thanksgiving, villagers gather after sundown to sing Silent Night. Next is a reading of the Christmas story before the candle ceremony begins, one candle lighting the next until all faces are gently illuminated against the darkening sky.
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