This is a Christmas story about a little girl named Honey who traveled across the sky to meet Father Christmas in the land of The Villages.
Honey Walmsley, 18-months old, flew from England this week with her parents, Mark and Sarah. They came to visit Mark’s parents, Adair and Amanda Walmsley, currently staying in The Village of Amelia. “We’re so thankful they are here,” Amanda Walmsley said. “Christmas is a time when families should be together.”
Holiday magic was in the air Wednesday when Honey and her family, along with thousands of others gathered in Lake Sumter Landing for the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival.
Christmas music filled the Market Square, along with colorful costumes, festive dancing and smiling faces basking in the spirit of the season. It was about 75 degrees as a sunny afternoon sky faded on a gentle breeze into purple twilight.
“I’ve never seen anything like this at Christmas,” Sarah Walmsley said in a thick British accent. “It’s the first time we had Christmas under the sun. It’s so warm. It’s so nice. I feel like I’m on an American movie set.”
You almost expected Bing Crosby to walk into the square and start singing, “White Christmas.” Bing didn’t make it but Santa Claus, better known as Father Christmas in England, did show up.
Honey sat on her mother’s lap, between Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Toys for Tots tent, sponsored by the Yesteryear Kart Club, and Lt. Colonel Phillip C. DeLong, with the Marine Corps League Detachment #1267.
Honey was overwhelmed by the moment and meeting the big guy in the red suit; there were tears and then a smile. “She’s a little excited,” her mother said. “It’s the first time she’s seen Father Christmas. But moments like this make Christmas so special.”
That could be said for the entire festival on Wednesday.
June Fuller and her husband, Dale, showed up wearing Santa outfits and spent some time in the Toys for Tots tent. Before going on duty, however, the couple made few trips to the dance floor doing the Santa boogie.
“This is what I call fun,” said June Fuller, who has taught school most of her adult life. The couple lives in The Villages but comes from New Bedford, MA. “Back home it’s cold and snowy,” she said. “Down here we’re sweating. I don’t miss the snow at all.”
“I don’t know,” Dale Fuller said. “I don’t like to shovel but the snow makes it feel like Christmas.”
Both cherish The Villages’ lifestyle.
“There’s so much to do here, and this Christmas celebration is part of it,” Dale said. “Christmas is in the air and you can feel it tonight,” June added.
A Villager named Jan Over shares that feeling. She showed up at Lake Sumter Landing with Toby, her 6-year old Bichon. Both were wearing sunglasses to keep the holiday sun out of their eyes.
“You have to get used to this kind of Christmas weather,” said Jan, who comes from Altoona, Pa. “When I first came to Florida, I saw palm trees instead of Christmas trees. It takes a while to get into the Christmas spirit, but when you do, you love it. To me, this celebration is what The Villages is all about.”
The gift of entertainment was on display throughout the evening. The Silver Rockettes kicked up a storm to start the fun. A highlight was the march of the toy soldiers. Then came the Aloha ‘O Ka Hula Dance Troupe, dressed in white and offering elegant hand and body movements. They captured the essence of the season with a dance interpretation of “White Christmas.”
The Villages Twirlers Show Team and Drum Corps offered everything from artificial snow to dance routines and The Prime Time Twirlers also showcased their skills.
The Mpire Band provided music throughout the evening and a variety of dance troupes were on hand. The Village Gypsies, the Original Villages Belly Dancers and the Sweet and Sassy Line Dance Team kept the Christmas party moving.
Then, around dusk, candles were distributed to the overflow crowd.
Billie Thatcher was master of ceremonies for the tree lighting, which began around 7 p.m. Thatcher was in her usual fine voice as she led sing-a-longs on such numbers as, “Sleigh Ride,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “White Christmas.”
“I love the tree lighting events and I’ve been doing them for about 11 years,” Thatcher said before taking the stage. “It’s a wonderful tradition and a great way to start the holiday season in The Villages. It’s a thrill to be a part of it.”
After the last song, Thatcher gave a signal to Ann Pelle, who was standing near an oversized light switch. Then she hit the switch and the giant tree that towered over Market Square lit up the night, underneath a bright moon.
“What a great moment,” Pelle said. “Look at the tree; look at all the people holding candles. It makes your heart warm. I love everything about Christmas in The Villages.”
