Clayton Starts the Christmas Season

Twilight began as the late autumn sun slipped below the horizon on a crystal clear night. With that ubiquitous celestial event, the crisp cool air fell upon downtown Clayton this past Saturday evening.

In many ways, it was a typical December night.

However, what would have been an ordinary night in Clayton was made extraordinary by people coming together to celebrate a special moment.

Claytonians officially kicked off the Christmas season with its annual tree lighting ceremony.

In its third year running, the event is made possible by people and organizations who donate their time and money, all to usher the Clayton community into the Christmas season.

This year a new sponsor, the Passport to Communities Foundation, commonly known as P2C, was added to a list of community leaders who make this event possible.

P2C united with previous year’s sponsors, The Clayton Community and Business Association, Ed’s Mudville Grill, and Dynamic Realtors Group part of Coldwell Bankers to put on the memorable event.

The festivities began at 4:30 p.m. with horse and carriage rides. Families from Clayton and surrounding communities stood in line behind the carriage stop at Marsh Creek Rd. and Main St.

Stephanie Lopez and other members of Dynamic Realtors Group handed out free candy canes to the families. Children were given a coupon for a free kid’s meal at Ed’s Mudville Grill.  

Two carriages, hitched to draw horses, rode families around the downtown singing Christmas carols.

As twilight faded to nightfall in earnest, the crowds thickened, dogs on lead sniffed about and barked, and children frolicked about the . Many a gloved hand held cups of hot chocolate and coffee.

By 7:00 p.m., CBCA President Ed Hartley and Mayor David Shuey, stood at the gazebo in the Groove Park to begin the ceremonies.

The Mt. Diablo Elementary School Choir then sang Christmas songs to a crowd of over three hundred.

When the last note was sung, the crowd hung in suspense as Santa Claus’s arrival was delayed. Children ran about in nervous laughter, while adults chuckled sipping their hot beverage of choice. The cause was never known but it could not have been the weather.

But Santa did arrive only a few minutes behind schedule, escorted by Chief of Police Dan Lawrence driving a vintage 1970s Clayton Police car.

Santa was drawn in a cart pulled by a John Deere tractor. Yep, old St. Nick’s mode of transportation was a tractor on this night. It’s only speculation on my part, but this must have caused his delay.

Children thronged about the gazebo stage as Santa stepped up to the microphone with Clayton’s Mayor at his side.

After a few words, we all walked to the end of Main Street where Santa officially lit the city Christmas tree.

As the excitement faded, hot apple cider and donut holes were cheerfully served by the Clayton Community Church. Pastor Shawn Robinson smiled as he handed me my cup saying, “Here you go, it’s just like grandma used to make.”

The cider was good.

The event, however, was something special to behold. Having experienced a half century of Christmases, I can say, without doubt, that Clayton’s allure is not in its picturesque downtown, or in its great restaurants, or even the events it puts on.

No, all those things are made special by its citizens who are inspired and who inspire the best of tradition, stewardship and affinity.

And that, I believe, would have made our grandparents proud.