Annually, the community of San Elijo Hills is brought together to participate in a ceremony in which a big pine tree is lit for the first time to kick off the holiday season. Although people from all over can attend, only residents can have hot cocoa, hot apple cider, and chocolate chip cookies; nonetheless, there are many other activities to partake in, such as meeting Santa Claus, painting a ceramic ornament, and receiving a balloon animal.
Ava Bitterlin is in ninth grade and has gone to the ceremony for the past few years with her family and friends. She comments on her favorite part of the tree lighting ceremony.
“Getting to hang out with my friends [is my favorite],” said Bitterlin.
The event is special to Bitterlin because it only happens once a year and is a unique tradition in her town. Hannah Carlson is also a ninth grader at Mission Hills, and she says that the tree lighting reflects the traditions of gift-giving and togetherness.
“It’s kind of the one event [that] everybody goes to, so even if you can’t make it to other celebrations, you can meet people there,” said Carlson.
Carlson has attended the tree lighting ceremony every year, even when she was little. She explains that it has become a tradition for her family to go each year.
Overall, the tree lighting ceremony is a significant event that contributes to the community of San Elijo Hills, as it not only provides entertainment but also brings together the entire town. This particular ceremony is not the only tradition of the town; there is an annual foam party, laser show, and even an Oktoberfest, which all band together to make San Elijo Hills very well bonded.
