Bringing the magic of Christmas

Ever since 1874, when Macy’s began the Christmas season custom, enchanting department store window displays worldwide have captivated children and adults alike: giant lollipops and candy canes, colorful nutcrackers and jolly elves, miniature trains winding their way through snow-dusted villages and winter wonderlands. is year’s “A Rappahannock Christmas” certainly carries on the tradition, despite the ongoing pandemic, with four beautifully decorated holiday exhibits in Washington, Flint Hill, Sperryville, and seen here Woodville, featuring a window display that would impress R. H. Macy himself. “What a village e ort,” describes Woodville resident Lynnie Genho, “and by far the best part has been all the honks, smiles, and neighborly chats.” 

Like so many things in 2020, “A Rappahannock Christmas” was a little different from years past. No small town Christmas parade, for instance. But, in the most important respects, it was a great success. More than 70 children got gifts from Santa at Sunday’s drivethru event in Little Washington. And drivers donated $200 plus to the Rappahannock Food Pantry. The community came together to build four impressive floats in Washington, Flint Hill, Sperryville and Woodville, seen by thousands of passing cars.

Honoring the tradition of past Christmas parades, a three judge panel (Connie Compton, Lillian Aylor, and Kendra Settle Hahn) chose a winning float. This year’s prize went to Flint Hill’s entry by a 2-1 vote.

“My vote is for Flint Hill because it’s all about love community and giving,” said one judge. “That float [Flint Hill] represents the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas, which is Love and Giving,” said another judge.

Added Christmas event committee member Dot Lessard: “They are all winners in the eyes of the committee and the county citizens.”

As always, the event benefits the Food Pantry. If you couldn’t come out on Sunday, donations can be made online at rappahannockpantry.org.

PHOTO BY RAY BOC

BY RAY BOC WOODVILLE

BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER FOR FOOTHILLS FORUM A PRESENT FOR EVERY CHILD: June Gregg receives a small gift at this year’s drive-through visit with Santa in Washington.

PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER FOR FOOTHILLS FORUM SANTA’S GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Elf Anne Robertson hands a present to an excited car passenger. Also seen here are Santa himself, Gary Aichele, elf Ann Wollard, with Gwen Davis ringing the donation bell.

WINNING FLOAT: Carolyn Roth with Lillian Freeman Aylor. The LOVE sign was designed and built by Roth, Ronda Ann Gregorio, Sean Spink and Haley French. Flint Hill’s float was the judges’ favorite.