A tradition that began in 1971 will continue this Christmas Eve as North Hill Road and its surrounding streets are lit once again with luminary candles throughout.
The ritual has taken place every year for 45 years. The event garners just about 100 percent participation each year, said Donna Harrill who lives on the street with her husband Jim.
“We may have been the first neighborhood to do luminaries,” she said. Harrill and Jim moved to Westford in 1975 and raised their three sons on North Hill Road.
“Our children used to help light them,” she said of the candles.
Luminaries are said to be a Spanish tradition. Merchants made simpler versions of the Chinese lanterns they saw while abroad. Some believe the candles are meant to symbolize a path for Mary and Joseph on their search for lodging when the baby Jesus was born.
Christians around the world celebrate Jesus’ birth on Dec. 25. Christmas Eve takes place this year on Saturday, Dec. 24.
“It’s just lovely to do on Christmas Eve,” said Harrill.
The North Hill Road luminaries are sponsored by the Hidden Valley Home and Garden Club which is an outgrowth of the residential home development that was built more than four decades ago. Members also sponsor an Easter Egg hunt, a Halloween parade, and an appearance by Santa on Christmas Eve. Each fall, the neighbors participate in a progressive dinner, meeting at one home for drinks, splitting off to others’ homes for dinner, and ending together at the last home for dessert.
“…it happened when people started buying in this neighborhood,” Harrill said of the many events the neighbors run. “They became very cohesive.”
The luminary candles and bags cost $15 per family. Proceeds are donated to the Westford Food Pantry.
Harill said that on some years as Christmas Eve melted into Christmas morning, she’s looked out her windows and noticed the candles still burning.
“It has been magical over the years,” she said.
Follow Joyce Pellino Crane on Twitter at joypellinocrane.
