Christmas and the holiday season has so many joys, and so many events. :) As we turn the page into to 2026, it’s nice to reflect back at some of the ones celebrated with the City last month.

»Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting«

The holiday parade is always a lot of fun, especially since there’s the big guy in red providing the tail, but also because it ends at a wonderful event hosted by Parks & Rec at the Laurel Armory and the magic of tree lighting once the sky starts turning dark. I went through a whole bag of candy canes by the time I got to the crowd near the armory, but thankfully was able to find an extra bag and circle back to be sure everyone got some peppermint fun. :) And it was beautiful to see special guest Gabe “throw the switch” and light up the grounds while all the kids “from 1 to 92” admired the beauty. Thank you to the City team for putting on such a great event helping mark this special time of year!

Auto-generated description: Two people are walking across a street, one wearing reindeer antlers and giving a thumbs-up while carrying a small red gift bag. Auto-generated description: A young boy wearing a winter coat pulls on a candy cane lever attached to a red box with a Christmas tree design, surrounded by four adults in festive attire, including Santa hats and string lights.

(Photo: City of Laurel)

»City Committee & Commission Holiday Reception«

Each year around Christmas, the Mayor also invites members of the City Committees and Commissions to a holiday reception, this year held at Partnership Hall. There were tasty foods, mingling, and a chance to catch up and share Christmas wishes with folks. I was also happy to take a moment to recognize and thank all the residents gathered for volunteering their time, energy, and expertise to help make Laurel what it is. They are truly a gift for our community!

Auto-generated description: Five people are standing in a room, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, with wrapped gifts in the background.

(Photo: City of Laurel)

»City Employee Holiday Party«

I also always try to make an effort to be at the City Employee holiday party to express thanks and spend time as a team. Seeing members from all of the City’s eleven departments is a neat experience, and I shared appreciation for each of them helping to create the ‘magic and wonder’ of Laurel in all the small and big ways they help residents day-to-day. A little added bonus: after the afternoon holiday party, everyone gets a little extra time off! (I headed back to the ‘day job’ to get some last bits of work done.) 🙂

»Las Posadas Celebration«

New this year, I also took the kiddos to the Las Posadas celebration at the House of Restoration church on Prince George Street which serves a primarily Spanish-speaking congregation. I was able to connect with Pastor Jorge Smith who also shared that their services are translated for any English-speaking individuals who’d like to come as well. And while there, the kiddos and I got to sample Ponche Navideño (a traditional Christmas punch with fruits and spices) and a wonderful spread from Salsa Brava, a Mexican restaurant located right here in Laurel. Without question, the biggest highlight for the kiddos was the piñata – All the kids took a number of swings at the particularly sturdy piñata (formed in the shape of a nativity star), and when the candy burst, they went scrambling! :) Thank you to Danielle Delgado for organizing and helping share this tradition with our community, and all those who helped host and make possible!

Auto-generated description: A group of people, including children, are gathered outdoors near a building, watching a person in front of a striped hanging decoration.