Have you ever driven, or walked, down Newberry’s Main Street on Christmas evening?

If you have not, here is what you have missed. Just before dusk you will witness citizens coming out of their homes to place luminaries on the sidewalks in front of their respective homes. The atmosphere is magical, as neighbors have seemingly made this event a neighborhood project.

If a family is unable to place the luminaries in front of their home, neighbors step up, filling in the void to ensure this lighting project continues for almost a mile in length. You may even witness neighbors laughing and talking as they work together on this project just as if they were high school classmates, when in fact most of the folks living on Main Street come from various locations, backgrounds, and vocations.

As the sun fades in the west, beyond the Opera House, the faint glow of the luminaries light the way into downtown Newberry. Wouldn’t it be interesting if all Newberry residents were to participate in this ethereal offering? What a statement this would make to the many visitors that opt to share Christmas Eve with us.

Throughout this country, people love to see the opulent lighting displays that citizens spend many hours and hundreds of dollars just to make this special season bright. By the way, every year the sand for city luminaries is supplied by Willingham and Son’s Building Supply. Another giving moment from good local people.

So, if you reside in Newberry County and you have not ventured down Main Street Newberry on Christmas evening, you are cheating yourself of a great reminder that another description of Christmas is sharing.

Oh, by the way, there are many churches throughout downtown Newberry that will have their doors open and wish to share the true meaning of Christmas with you.

Those of us honored to work at your Newberry County Chamber of Commerce, Liz MacDonald, Michelle B. Long, and I would like to take this time to say, “Thank you for supporting your local chamber. Please shop local at every opportunity and support the many small businesses your Chamber represents.”

We sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Not a chamber member? Need a New Years resolution? Why not join your Newberry County Chamber of Commerce for 2013?

Call Liz, Michelle, or me and let us tell you the many benefits. Call 276-4274.