Last Saturday we celebrated the town Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Ceremony. As I’ve mentioned earlier, Rebecca and Caitlyn were away at Brownie Camp. They did have a lovely time but I really missed them during this local Christmas tradition.
The older girls made lanterns in school anyway. We have hung these up with our other Christmas Lanterns. Izzy made hers at home. As we only had time to make them on the day, we used felt tips instead of paint. Her lanterns were of course very beautiful, but it wasn’t the same as painting them so we’ll try and be more organised next year (famous last words!).
Izzy went for a Christmas Tree and Christmas Angel theme.
The weather on the day was really bad with severe weather warnings. Dave mentioned a few times that it was likely to be postponed or cancelled due to the high winds, but I reminded him that this is Milford so it would be on! I think we were all relieved that Santa wouldn’t be arriving by boat though as he has before in previous years. Danny decided to stay home to protect his health, he needs to choose his activities carefully at this time of year. I left him and Dave to put up our lovely real Christmas Tree from Pines and Needles, while Izzy and I went off to parade our lovely lanterns.
We found Nanny, Aunty Jo Jo and cousin Cerys in the parade and collected our light to put inside.
We spotted “Milford Santa” as Izzy calls him!
Then we were all off on the town walk. Loosely, people walk in school groups but due to different speeds- I’ve baby carried, pushed prams and walked a toddler in previous years, people walk where ever they can. It’s a public event and anyone can join in.
Granted, it was hard to hold the lanterns high and we did see lanterns blow away, but as always it was a beautiful sight.
Cerys held hands with Isabelle and helped look after her for me. It was lovely to see them walk together.
At the end of the parade we all wait at the Town Hall for the turning on of the Christmas lights. This is always broadcast live on Radio Pembrokeshire- I’d love to record it one day so I could listen to it when I return home! I wonder if you can hear us cheering?!
We waved to “Milford Santa” on the balcony! We counted down and then…
…on went the lights!
We were very lucky and there were free fairground rides as well as a free visit to Santa.
Instead though, we went to see the Nativity Scene. Yes, I know we’ve now already been a few times but this was the first time it has been lit up.
It was a lovely magical evening. Once again so grateful to see all the friends that we see there each year. Thank you so much to Milford Town Council for putting on this event and Milford Haven Round Table for inviting Santa- we can’t wait to see him pass our house next week!
Santa’s sleigh past us as we went home. Izzy said, “I wonder why Santa’s Reindeers don’t fly his sleigh in Milford, are they resting before Christmas, Mummy?” Oh to be three at Christmas time.
What Christmas traditions do you have in your town?
