Page 86 - Life_In_Naples_December_2018

Dreaming of a

Naples Christmas

hristmas is a wonderful time for
kids of all ages-- the aroma of
once-a-year treats in the oven,
C the excitement of decorating for
holiday festivities, the joy of being with family
and friends, the anticipation of gifts under
the tree - all the things that create warm
memories that linger throughout our lives.
Many hope to awake to a snowy
by Lois Bolin Christmas morning, even when the frosty
Old Naples Historian precipitation is highly unlikely to fall where
they live. Why is the connection between
snow and Christmas so strong? Experts say it’s because songs and children of all ages to enjoy the “new and improved” parade entries.
stories, which bring back those mages year after year, have created the Weaving their way from Third Street S. down to 5th Avenue S.
tradition of an idealized white Christmas holiday. rounding the bend towards City Hall on 8th Street S., entries will
Ace Collins, author of “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs need to remain in full spirits to impress the judges and the Collier
of Christmas,” said, “I don’t know that without “Jingle Bells” you County Veterans and their kids or grandkids who have reserved
would have had that direct association with snow in the United seating across from City Hall. Special thanks to the VFW 7721 and
States because the majority of Americans don’t see snow over the 7221 Auxiliary for hosting the seating.
the holidays.” While the song written in the mid-1800s, has no Can’t make it to the parade? Not to worry – tune to the City’s
mention of Christmas, the images of snow and sleighs became Comcast Channel 98 to watch the parade live as it passes City
associated with winter merriment and happiness. Hall. You can also watch live streaming on naplesgov.com and
This merriment was the on Facebook. If you are busy shopping, don’t forget to set your
inspiration for our 2018 City DVRs. The filming is sponsored by SWFL Veterans Alliance and
of Naples Christmas theme hosted by Dr. Lois Bolin along with a surprise co-host.
inspired by the drawing of Speaking of Veterans and kids, we
eight-year old, Home School have a good combination of both in
student, Haley Jacke, who said our co-host who sport a never-ending
that while it doesn’t snow in smile. Garrett Richter, CEO of First
Naples, we can dream. Yes, we Florida Integrity Bank, and a Vietnam
will be “Dreaming of a Naples Veteran, who was awarded the Combat
Christmas”, which includes Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star and
snow, Miss Haley, if you visit the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, is
Third Street South Tuesday, dreaming of Naples Christmas and the
Wednesday, Friday and fun he is going to have.
Saturday during Thanksgiving Our Honorary Judges will
week and in December, your Garrett Richter, CEO of command their post at City Hall with
white Christmas will be every First Florida Integrity Bank the daunting task of determining the
Thursday night at 7 pm. 9 category winners, who will receive
Yes, it’s all about the kids, which is why we have the perfect their awards in front of City Council the following week. We
Honorary Grand Marshall, Myra Janco Daniels, founder and former thank Reg and Sandra Buxton of Life in Naples magazine for
CEO of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Florida, being our Grand Prize sponsor and Matt Moen for hosting an
responded to the plight of more than 10,000 school children in ice cream social for our parade Theme Contest winner as well as
Collier County who came home every day to an empty house. Mrs. our long-time supporters, Naples Princess, Barbatella, Sea Salt,
Daniels agreed to chair a capital campaign to raise $5 million dollars Philip Douglas Salon and Whitman Designs.
for the construction of The Salvation Army’s new Fran Cohen Youth The Committee, Judges and film crew look forward to sharing in
Center, which was officially dedicated in April 2017 with a ribbon- a moment to slow down and remember the meaning of it all.
cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries, Latchkey League Until next year, we wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy
members, Salvation Army representatives and many others. Hanukah and, Happy New Year and hope your best days in 2018
On Tuesday, December 11th at 6 pm, the City brings together are your worst days in 2019.

86 Life in Naples | December 2018