Comments on: Column: Christmas Fire

By: Patty Swaney

Patty Swaney — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 16:13:53 +0000

After we moved out into the country, the luminaria was one of the townie traditions that we missed most. Many Christmas after me moved from the heart of Manchester, I still would buy the “kits” of bags and candles and sand, only I’d have to buy many more to luminate just a portion of our drive!

In town, lighting the candles as evening approached could be the only time all winter that you would actually see and talk with your neighbors. It was their inspiration and encouragement that made the event fun even on the coldest, windiest, wettest nights. Neighbors would buy the kits for shut-ins and would take turns re-lighting the dark bags.

We have lost the enthusiasm for doing luminaries out in the country but the enjoyment of the drive through town on Christmas Eve and the memories of life in the village give me another sense of appreciation for our community. And I am thankful to be able to say so in the Chronicle and the Mirror!

By: Barry Allen

Barry Allen — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 14:16:20 +0000

Thank you for a great article that catches the essence of why we do luminaria each Christmas Eve. The Manchester Lions Club has hosted this community service project for the last several years in hopes of bringing peace and light to the world. The display can only be accomplished by the participation of the residents of the village, so thank you to all for your contribution to this effort.

By: The Manchester Mirror

The Manchester Mirror — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 22:41:21 +0000

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed your visit! Come on back anytime… :-)

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 20:09:19 +0000

I would argue that one reason the luminaria are lovely is that they are evanescent and not mechanical. They appear only for a short time and then are gone, unlike the lavish electric light displays seen most places. “On this one special night of the year.”

I’ve noticed that some of my neighbors leave outside holiday lights on for a long time, into the spring in some cases. In my opinion this diminishes their effectiveness. The senses get jaded.

However, I must go down Brooks soon to see the (lighted) flying pig. Hope he is there this year.

By: johnboy

johnboy — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 04:11:20 +0000

I hope you took Pleasant Lake Road to Manchester. Between Pleasant Lake and M-52 some blessed soul(s) puts out over 2 miles of Luminaria on an otherwise empty road. Very beautiful. Fun to drive through and turn your headlights off (not running lights and only for a few seconds). Dexter also does a good job decorating with Luminaria. MLive has a nice photo gallery of Luminaria in Superior Township. [link]