G A T H E R E D & G R A T E F U L Holiday Traditions in Our Hometown BY M A R C R Y L A N D E R
In the heart of Celina, Texas, where traditions run deep and community bonds are forged with pride, rich, and enduring celebrations of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays have been treasured among families since the earliest days of recorded memoirs. At Thanksgiving, families have always gathered. The spirit of giving and gratitude has been optimally seen through the distribution of turkeys and meals to less-fortunate families by 9
generous residents in the community. Different churches have united in prayer and singing. At Christmas, the Downtown Square has been decorated and a large tree has been lit year after year. The evolution of these cherished traditions, marked by a blend of our local heritage and historical events, weaves a captivating story of how families here have celebrated and embraced the spirit of gratitude and merriment, through the best of times and in the midst of dark challenges that profoundly impacted families and this city. In Celina, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Most notable among all traditions across the years are the celebrations and festivals during the holidays, like the present-day Christmas on the Square. These have been an integral part of Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions in Celina throughout the 20th century to now. Though each celebration is unique
to its time, these city-wide traditions trace back decades. Shopping around the Square, kids playing around the City’s Christmas Tree, the sharing of a meal with friends, choirs singing classic carols, family photos on the streets of Downtown, and the glimmer of lights and decorations have always been a part of the holiday traditions here. Gatherings at churches, on the Square, and in homes around town have played a crucial role in fostering unity, sharing faith, and extending love for generations. They have served as a testament to the strong sense of what is defined today in Celina as Life Connected. Old Celina Record newspaper clippings highlight another rich local tradition of community Thanksgiving and Christmas services. These sacred gatherings were an escape from normal routine each year and gave attendees a sense of belonging while celebrating lasting relationships among neighbors and forging a sense of faith and