Summit's Holiday Traditions

SUMMIT, NJ - As the holiday season approaches its zenith, we here at Patch thought it would be worth looking at how Summit celebrates.

One thing can be said about Summit during the holiday season: the city doesn't let the occassion pass quietly. Beyond the festive decorations, the tree lighting and the menorah lighting downtown Summit took the holiday by storm offering free parking and three weekends of free horse drawn carriage rides and carolers to delight visitors.

Many took out time to participate in food and clothing drives in town ands through their places of worship as well. Some residents venture outsite Summit to find the holiday spirit.

"We go to the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanic Garden every year," Julie Ann Boas said.

Another resident, Barb DQ, makes all edible candy baskets for her grandchildren.

Mayor Nora Radest said she has traditions that stretch back decades.

"Every year beginning in 1960, my parents took my siblings and I to pick out a Christmas tree ornament for each of us. My mother would put a small tag on the ornament with our names and the year," Radest said. "My husband and I continue this lovely tradition with our children, collecting ornaments for each year of their lives. This year, I was thrilled to select an ornament for my five-month-old granddaughter and extend this heartfelt tradition to the next generation. It is such fun to look at all of the ornaments we have chosen, especially from when we were much younger."

Radest said some of the ornament choices were scrutinized.

"My children get a kick out of the crazy orange lion I chose when I was a teenager in the early 70s," she said.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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