It is sobering that Walmart is currently the most common gathering place. Let me be quick to say that it isn’t the only gathering place. There are many cool ones. It’s just that Walmart reaches the broadest cross-section.

I’m really hoping that touch of kindness (and warmth) will come back to them over and over this Advent!

I’ve been hesitating about responding to your post since I had a somewhat happy, somewhat sad, reaction.

First, let me say, what a wonderful and simple expression of caring and community you all did! Cheers!

Second…I felt…well…sad at your realization that the only gathering place for all people in Waterville was…Walmart.

Having grown up only twenty minutes from WTVL and having most of my extended family there, I remember a vibrant WTVL in my youth when Main St. was bustling, particularly at Christmas.

Lately, I have been following some of the objections by some Christians to people wishing them a Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, feeling that people are taking the Christ out of Christmas.

I think that if we look more closely at the expressions of Christmas that people purchase at places like Walmart(oh, say a blow up Grinch dressed as Santa placed next to the manger on someone’s front lawn) If we consider that our community is now gathering at Walmart to consume and not so much on our Main St and in our churches to talk, to create, express and give…that is what is taking the Christ out of Christmas.

It is so refreshing to see you and VCW putting Him back in by talking with people, creating a moment, expressing thoughtfulness and caring and giving something sweet and warm (and I’m not just talking about the Hot Chocolate).

Merry Christmas Marc!

Rob