A trifecta of some cherished traditions in Rolling Hills for families to get in the holiday spirit:

 

This is for friends in RH who may be sick or who have lost a loved one or are alone or old, like me!

This was started by Arvel Witte many years ago. He and his wife Carol arrived at our door and blessed us with Christmas Carols. So I later took over and have had the pleasure of leading since then.

Each year I contact Kristen Raig (at RHCA) and find out who would like some extra Christmas Cheer. We usually venture out on the Sunday before Christmas. This year it will be December 22nd at 2 p.m. We already have 35 singers and Kathy Stowe, who leads us with her wonderful guitar. But new friends are welcomed to join and sing along each year! We meet by the  "Benches" (next to the Fire Station) and start with Carol Singing there, for all to enjoy. Please join us, especially with small children, for a short time of singing and getting into the festive mood, before we go on our route.

      

Then we pack into cars and follow a predetermined path, to sing at 8-10 homes who are expecting a visit. We end up at Jeanne Martin's lovely home..for champagne or Helen Frykman's wonderful barn for hot chocolate! 

 

NATIVITY SCENES at each RH GATE

This has great history too! Catherine Partridge started this tradition way back in 1944 during WWII to encourage everyone at Christmas time. Arty (RHCA) puts up little huts (newly renovated) with branches and decorations and lights at each gate and teams of 2 or 3 decorate these into a Manger Scene with Joseph & Mary & Baby Jesus. They are much appreciated as folks go by! I already have the people who have worked on these for years, but as with everything …we are always looking for younger people to carry on this precious tradition! This year's date is Wednesday, December 4th at 10am at the agreed locations and decorate for about an hour.  Afterwards we meet for lunch at the home of someone who has graciously volunteered! 

 

Catherine Partridge herself, always did this for decades, then I took over but many others have also volunteered.  Judy Martin hosted lunch last year, overlooking Catalina - what a  great treat!

 

This started from an idea at the RH Covenant Church and it just seemed to keep going! This was to include close neighbors and friends together for coffee and social time, but also to hear a short story about the real meaning of Christmas…to take a break from the rush of shopping, decorating and cooking! I used to just go up and down my street on Saddleback delivering an invitation to each home and making many new friends! But now I include a much larger group for all to enjoy. I am seeking names of those who might like to host and those who wish to attend! Our speaker this year is Dr. Joanna Nachef, who is my church choir director and a famous conductress!

Our  first "Coffee" was hosted by Betty Davidson in 1998 and we never stopped! Our date this for this year is Saturday December 14th from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

 

Please contact me at sallyswart80@gmail.com if you'd like to attend any of these fun, festive holiday traditions in Rolling Hills!

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!