Santa to light Roselle tree at ‘Celebrate the Season’

The children who attended Roselle’s “Celebrate the Season” when it began more than three decades ago are still coming to the annual event.

Except today they are bringing their own children to visit Santa and watch the lighting of the village’s holiday tree.

“It’s just passing a ritual down from generation to generation,” Village President Gayle Smolinski said.

Smolinski is one of those parents who once brought her young daughter to the event years ago. Now, Smolinski comes with both her daughter and her new grandson.

“In the world that is so rapidly changing, whether it’s due to technology or because it has become so stressful, this tradition is something people anchor themselves with during the holiday season.”

Hosted by both the Roselle Public Library and the village, residents are invited to start the event at 1 p.m. Saturday by sharing stories, songs and verse at the library. Neil Whitham, who weaves tales and songs together with his guitar, will perform.

At 2 p.m., participants will walk to Elm Court, where Santa Claus will arrive aboard a fire engine. He will greet children and light the holiday tree with help from Smolinski and 2011 Rose Queen Lauren Caputo. Children can finish the day by visiting with Santa and sharing their holiday wishes.