Wassail Weekend returning to Woodstock

Mike Johnson (left) and Rob Tracy lead a team of horses in a prior Wassail Parade in Woodstock, Vt. Click here for the 2021 Wassail Weekend schedule. (Photo Provided)

Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend is back this year, including its famous Wassail Parade in the village this coming Saturday. 

A host of festivities will take place Friday through Sunday, Dec. 10-12, with the parade starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday as usual. The parade includes 35 entries and starts at the East End, heads downtown, and circles The Green with the crowds looking on. For another transportation option, a free shuttle bus will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, going from Woodstock Union High School to the Welcome Center in the village.

Wassail Weekend didn’t happen last year due to the pandemic, and a virtual parade was held online. People can’t wait to see the real thing again and take part in a festive weekend of holiday fun, said Beth Finlayson, executive director of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce. And, visitors have been planning on this for some time. 

“Everyone’s so excited,” Finlayson said. “People have had their reservations for months.” 

She also received multiple calls from people wanting to make sure the traditional parade was back on.

“The people in the parade do such a great job, dressing up both themselves and their horses,” Finlayson said. 

On Friday to start things off, Billings Farm & Museum is holding its annual “Christmas at the Farm” activities throughout the day and weekend. Pentangle Arts gets the season’s music going on Friday night, with a concert by “Irish Christmas in America” starting at 7:30 p.m. 

There are several new things in the festivities this year. Phil Warren will be giving horse-drawn carriage rides around Woodstock Village, starting at People’s United Bank, on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, the Chamber is holding its first-ever Gingerbread contest, with winners being announced Saturday. Also on Saturday, Artistree will offer Drop-In Ornament Making from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a craft fair at the Masonic Lodge in Woodstock Village on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Some refreshments will be available on The Green as well. Vicki Ferentinos and Shannon Lee will offer some festive treats, with their set-up adorned by a six-foot tall Nutcracker they built. Also, the Chamber will be serving Wassail punch and the WUHS Hockey Team will offer hot chocolate and coffee.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., Woodstock Rotary continues its cherished tradition of brightening The Green with 400 luminaries for the evening. 

For some, this will be their first Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, and that includes Alex Beram and his family. He and his wife, Christy, purchased The Village Butcher earlier this year. He’ll be part of what’s historically been a bustling downtown during the second weekend in December, with shoppers and diners heading around to various businesses. 

“Being new to the community, I’ve  been so impressed with the events and the organization, just the way that the town and the whole community come together,” Alex said, saying of Wassail: “It should be a great couple of days, and we’re excited to be part of it.” 

For the full schedule of Wassail Weekend events, click here for details. To reach the Chamber of Commerce, call 802-457-3555 or send an email to info@woodstockvt.com.

— Gareth Henderson

Our most cherished gifts

Seasonal decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When Christmas arrives, much attention is given to what will be waiting for us under the Christmas tree. What can we expect this year? Without a doubt, the anticipation, joy and love we feel on Christmas morning is a cherished blend of feelings that enrich us. Throughout the day, reconnecting with family is part of that precious tradition. It's a time to slow down and remember what truly matters in life, and enjoy some fun moments with those we love.

Of course, a lot of Christmas holiday traditions look different this year. If we're connecting with other family members, we're likely to be doing that virtually. Events that fill the community with people have gone online, with the hope of returning to normal in 2021. For a lot of families, there are fewer gifts under the tree than last year. Everywhere, many things remind us about change, and make us worry about what is to come.

But our true gifts have remained the same, and give us hope for the future. The love and support neighbors have given each other, that's still happening now, along with efforts to provide some help for families who are struggling. In Vermont and throughout multiple states, people are holding up some joy for others, by decorating their homes and neighborhoods for the holidays. The outdoors has also provided some wintertime enjoyment, and some much-needed peaceful moments.

We are indeed facing a landscape of diverging experiences. On one hand, there are the challenges. On the other, we have the things that help us weather the difficult times — love, compassion, joy, patience, humility. In many ways, the holidays inspire us to feel those qualities, and acknowledge and cherish their presence in our lives. The news we hear or read about may not match those qualities, but the fact is, people are gravitating toward them more than we think. There are people helping others with groceries and chores, providing resources to each other as they can, and raising money to help with ongoing needs in their communities. We have cause for gratitude; there is a great deal of kindness happening in our midst, and it touches each of us.

During this holiday, as we receive all of our lovely Christmas gifts, let's remember the ones that have nothing to do with money, the ones that lift up and strengthen our hearts in even the darkest hours, the ones that open the way to hope when the impossible must be done. Those are the gifts that give us the most light, the deepest joy, and the greatest riches.

— Gareth Henderson

Spreading a bit of cheer

Lights brighten up Woodstock Village for the holidays. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Every now and then, something comes across your radar that puts a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. I felt that way today when I read about a state official and his colleagues recording some Christmas stories for children.

Usually, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott would read "The Night Before Christmas" to children gathered at the State House Christmas Tree Lighting. Since the gathering is not happening this year, Scott and his cabinet are recording readings of some favorite Christmas classics for children.

"We will post them in the coming days for Vermont's kids to enjoy during this holiday season like no other," the governor said on his Facebook page.

This is another example of people giving of their time to spread joy for others, which has been an encouraging trend during 2020 — and so needed. The music, readings, poetry and other activities have been a true gift to many, as traditions have had to go online this year. Though we miss gathering in person, we're able to capture some of the joyous spirit these events bring us, and the sense of community they represent. We still find a way to share that happiness with each other, over Facebook, Zoom or whichever platform serves the purpose. It's also wonderful to know about programs meant for children, which I'm sure have been a great help for families.

As we continue through the end of 2020, and observe more of these online offerings during the holidays, perhaps they can serve as inspiration to add a bit of joy in someone else's life, when we get the chance. The very act will help us feel that same happiness and lift up our day. Those are the moments we come to treasure. And those are the treasures that keep on giving.

— Gareth Henderson

An unusual Christmas surprise

Holiday decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Sometimes, you never know what you'll find when you get home. Amanda McCormick knows that all too well.

Halfway around the world, near Adelaide, Australia, McCormick arrived home recently and found a furry friend passing the time in her Christmas tree. It was a cute little koala which had let itself into her home — which happens only occasionally, according to the CNN report. The koala rescue group McCormick contacted initially thought it was a prank call, but the organization responded and had the easy job of simply letting the animal out of the house, so it happened. It just wandered into the front yard, and, well, couldn't quite let go of McCormick's property. It was still in the same (outdoor) tree a day later, probably because it enjoyed sleeping there. Still, it probably didn’t compare to that comfy Christmas tree.

This story brightened up my rainy Saturday — it's just that kind of article. If you're ready to experience cuteness, I invite you to visit that link above: What better way to enliven your holiday spirit than to see a koala hanging out in a Christmas tree? Ever a fan of the facts, and after being constantly tempted to write "bear" after "koala", I should note that bears, koalas are not. Though they've got that endearing, furry look, that's pretty much where the similarities end, as the latter is a marsupial with a very different origin story.

In the coming weeks, if I see other fun animal stories, I'll let you see them, too. They were made for sharing, and for adding some joy to this world. We can always use one more laugh.

— Gareth Henderson