First Presbyterian’s Christmas Festival brings Santa, a manger scene, carols and more to Germantown

Lily Chandler, a three-year-old from Roxborough, jumped for joy when she was asked whether she wanted to take a picture with Santa Claus.

When it was her turn to do so, Lily ran towards Santa to give him a hug before posing for the picture. She also used this opportunity to tell Santa what a good girl she’s been all year. That, and everything she wanted for Christmas.

Lily’s timing was impeccable as children and adults alike reveled in the holiday spirit at the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown’s fourth annual Christmas Festival last weekend.

Something for everyone

There were activities taking place in almost every room of the church.

In one room, it was all about creating gingerbread houses with candy and graham crackers. (One even made a Lincoln Memorial with her ingredients.)

In others, face painting, ornament decorations, creating Christmas cards and a coloring station were available.

Meanwhile, Sunday School students performed a Christmas musical called “Carriers of the Light” which led into Christmas caroling for all.

“We don’t want to lose the meaning of Christmas. We want folks to take a break from buying and shift their focus on the spirit of giving,” said Rev. Kevin Porter. “This event is open to everyone. Anyone who may be disconnected from there families during this time are encouraged to come.”

Included in the festival was a live Nativity scene in the parking lot that was set up to “remind us of the ambiance of that first Christmas in Bethlehem.”

Although the Christmas Festival was free, guests were asked to bring non-perishable food items that would go to the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry’s food cupboard that provides nourishment to community members on a weekly basis.

Rev. Porter said First Presbyterian Church will host a Christmas Eve service ending exactly at 12 a.m. Christmas Day.