Holy Cross Cemetery's fence is decked out for the holidays by area 4-H volunteers.
To begin the holiday season, some families head to Black Friday sales while other folks put up the Christmas tree or other holiday symbols, decorate the house with lights, and start listening to favorite songs of the season. Churches plan special holiday events. Cookies are baked and holiday menus planned.
But communities also have holiday traditions. In Cuba, MO, area volunteers and city workers put in place some traditions that remind us that December is upon us.
For years, city workers have hung the wreaths on light poles. Last year, a Cuba transplant to the Boston area asked that I post a photo of the wreaths on Facebook because she had fond memories of them, and they made her think of home and Christmas.
The raising of the Christmas wreaths along Route 66 signals the beginning of the holiday season.
Another tradition that beautifies the town and sets the holiday scene is the garland and red ribbons with which area 4-H volunteers decorate the Holy Cross Cemetery fence. These seasonal decorations provide a festive entry to Cuba. It is great to see the young people of Cuba taking part in community traditions.
Each year, 4-H volunteers, friends, and family come together to decorate the Holy Cross Cemetery fence at Christmas.
Viva Cuba volunteers, friends, and family also contribute to Christmas beautification by decorating the Viva Cuba Garden with wreaths and lights. Sunday afternoon, although it was breezy, workers turned out to untangle lights, make bows, string extension chords, and cover the train replica, trees, and bushes with lights.
George Reed works on making order out of the tangled Christmas lights.
Josh Cape and Stephen Land help light the trees at the Highway 19/Route 66 intersection.
The Barnetts cover the bushes with Christmas lights.
Peggy Holland ties the wreath bows to hang on the brick wall.
Viva Cuba member Jill Barnett has to reach to get the bow tied on the sign.
But as you know from your own decorating at home, it’s the moments when the lights are lit, that makes it all worth the work. We hope you get by after dark to enjoy Viva Cuba’s contribution to the spirit of the season in Cuba.
For a history of the Viva Cuba Garden, go here.
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