Westfield's Holiday Traditions

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

Westfield is a community with a thriving downtown business district and and a plethora of holiday traditions to choose from, both old and new. For old traditions many in town celebrated at the annual tree lighting on Sunday, Nov. 24, right after Thanksgiving.

Cheryl Altman wrote on Facebook that the tree looks great this year and James Lopes said the event was a great time.

"Thank you for all the hard work and effort to make it happen, it’s truly appreciated by all," he wrote.

The Union County Torah Center-Chabad hosted a giant menorah lighting at the North Avenue Train Station on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Other familiar holiday sites in Westfield include the line around the block at Westfield Seafood on Christmas Eve, as well as Westfield offering complimentary metered parking that spans through Jan. 1.

New traditions included the first annual town-wide gingerbread contest as well as a full slate of activities at the new Westfield Rink.

While the Westfield School District may be closed down for break, Superintendent Margaret Dolan shared some of her holiday traditions with Patch.

"I was fortunate to have grown up in a large extended family. My father was one of 10 children and on his side of the family I have 32 first cousins. Although we live in a variety of states and occasionally in different countries, we have always been close," Dolan said. "For the past 19 years, we have gathered on a weekend close to Christmas. The cousins bring their spouses, children, grandchildren and now we even have a few great grandchildren crawling around the celebration. We share the stories of our immigrant grandparents and get updates on family successes and challenges. Having these long time relationships is a joy and a good way to stay grounded in what is important in life."

Mayor Shelley Brindle also shared her well-wishes on social media.

"From my family to yours, wishing you all the joys of the season, and a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate," Brindle said.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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