A Christmas Love Letter, From my Hometown
“IT’S LIKE A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND!!!!” I muffled my scream just barely under my breath to my somewhat annoyed boyfriend.
He was annoyed with cause because I had picked a small tiff about trying to find a parking space and whether we could or could not legally park in a lot. I was excited to get to the lights.
I remember the magical wonder of this older gentleman stringing up yards and yards of lights upon lights on Matheson Drive near Bellevue in Macon, a street bordered most prominently by Hillcrest and Napier and Freedom Park. And then, one year, the lights didn’t go up. It seemed to coincide with my own aging as well, and it made me sad. I wish I had been old enough to tell him myself a thank you for their delight.
This time, I was dragging Nathan by the arm to Poplar Street- a street that was once scary to drive down. A street that made me hold my breath in college, that I would stare upon wide-eyed wondering if it was even safe to drive down.
There were now families milling about, letting children run just ahead without clinging to their hands.
The lights were everywhere and so was the music! Beautiful sounds of Christmas by the amazing Macon Pops. I felt like I was in a real life musical and wished Nathan had taken the same ballroom dancing classes that I had. We could have easily waltzed and foxtrotted down the street park among the lights and music.
A few days later I took my kids after their Christmas pageant at school, they breathlessly thanked Bryan Nichols as they watched him turn on the music from a box at the park. They became hyper and ran and sang and proclaimed their love for it.
Many partners made it happen. Grants from the Downtown Challenge. Various businesses and business owners. They are all named at the top of the music show, I know I’ll forget some if I attempt to name them. And the volunteer efforts of Bryan Nichols, who is a downtown business owner, but also volunteered his time to make this happen.
It’s like receiving a Christmas love letter from my hometown. And I, and my kids, and many others, are just so grateful.
Love to all y’all,
Molly
*Be sure to tag YOUR photos with #MainStLights!
