Christmas on Round Hill

Are you nostalgic for the holidays of years past? Do you want to see a Christmas scene right off a holiday card and shop for your gifts far from malls and highways? Then go to “Christmas on Round Hill” at the Round Hill Community House. On Friday evening, November 30 there will be Gala Preview Party (tickets available through the Round Hill Community Church) and on Saturday, December 1, is The Fair, open free to the whole community. The proceeds from the Fair benefit charities, both local and global, and the upkeep of the Community House.

At the Fair, Santa Claus will be sitting in his sleigh, as he has done at every Fair for the past 70 years. The children will have their photos taken on his lap as some of their parents did when they were small. The beautiful sleigh is over 100 years old and used to glide over the snow drifts of back country Greenwich.

The tradition of Christmas on Round Hill goes back to when the Community House was built in the 1920s. The sense of community was strong then and it continues today. The Community House is decorated inside and out--the theme is a winter wonderland. Members of the Church and their friends bake and bring goodies to be sold, as they did then. There are cookie workshops during the month before, and Christmas puddings are stirred as they were years ago. The Round Hill Express Train will be chugging around the grounds carrying delighted young passengers. The train was built in the 1950s by John McAulay, the church sexton, from a used tractor donated by E used parts from old lawnmowers and wheels from large dollies to support the cars.

The Fair, is an event for the whole community and great fun for families. As every year, there will be activities for children, including a variety of crafts (ornaments, necklaces, bookmarks, pins) that they can make and take home. While the children have fun their families can shop for gifts. At the heart of the Fair is “The Treasure Trove,” a collection of treasures and collectibles from the attics and closets of many kind donors. You may stumble on a picture, or a pillow, or piece of silver or vintage dress that you love. In years past there were even a couple of cars sold at the Fair.

At “Something Special” you will see beautiful work made by women of the Round Hill Craft Studio.  Fine decoupage plates, decorative lacquered boxes, wood wastebaskets, magazine racks, faux finished tables, mailboxes and hand-painted children’s furniture are just a few of the wonderful items available, and at very reasonable price. The Church Ladies tell us they don’t punch a time clock! “Living Greens” offers beautiful poinsettias and plants to decorate your home. Vendors will be selling handmade jewelry, personalized accessories, scarves, decorative pillows, baby blankets, children's clothing, and more. There will be face painting courtesy of the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts will be selling wreaths and swags of greens as they have done for many years. There will be soup, sandwiches, and drinks available throughout the day.

There is no admission fee on Saturday. Pictures with Santa are available at a nominal fee.  For  more information about Christmas on Round Hill, visit  www.roundhillcommunitychurch.org  or call (203) 869-1091.