by Audrey Seale
The magic of Advent has begun in the St. Francis courtyard with the raising of the Neighborhood Tree this morning. Returning for its third year, this 12’ tree comes from the company who creates the Westlake Tree in downtown Seattle every year. Adorned with lights, a star, and silver, gold, and red ornaments, the tree comes to light every night at 5:00 pm. The team of “elves” this year was led by Gieth and included Carey, Annette, Joshua, Bob, and Audrey.
If you could have seen the pre-school kids watching the progress and heard their expert opinions on the tree, you would know that this tree has become a beloved tradition for our parish and neighborhood.
The inaugural lighting of the tree will be at 5:00 pm this Sunday, December 8. Neighbors will fill the Great Hall from 3:00-5:00 pm to see Santa (who will ask what we are thankful for this year), make holiday crafts, eat birthday cake, and rock out to our own DJ Roc (DJ Dance party, holiday edition).
Santa will give each child a silver bell on a red satin ribbon. Then they’ll gather around the tree, and light it up with their ringing! Seattle Fire Station 34 truck and crew will be there to add festive lights, sirens, and photos to the party.
Hope to see you this Sunday, but if you miss it this time, the tree magically lights up every night at 5:00 pm.