Holiday music fills the Mattapoisett air at sing-along
Dec 17, 2023
Santa and Mrs. Claus speak with children at the Mattapoisett Museum sing-along. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Brinley Roberts, Hadley Long and Phoebe Bullen were among the many youngsters enjoying the music.
Joseph Anthony, 2, and his mother Jessica Anthony were dressed in their festive best.
Steve LaValley and Gail Roberts provided the musical accompaniment.
All ages participated in the singing.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were the stars of the evening.
MATTAPOISETT — Christmas is so close that one can almost hear the distant ringing of Santa’s sleighbells.
But sometimes, Mattapoisett Museum curator and administrator Connor Gaudet said, “things go by so quickly it’s easy to forget’’ that Christmas is nearly here.
“It’s good to take a minute and enjoy the traditional carols.’’
A holiday sing-along at the museum Sunday, Dec. 17 did just that, slowing the sometimes chaotic seasonal pace and bringing the community together to sing traditional holiday favorites.
Accompanied by musicians Steve LaValley and Gail Roberts, a full house at the museum joined voices for such classics as “Silent Night,’’ “O Little Town of Bethlehem’’ “The Twelve Days of Christmas’’ and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.’’
The event is among the museum’s most popular, Gaudet said, which was borne out by the full house in attendance. “People can sing if they wish or just listen,’’ Gaudet said. In either case, “it’s a nice way to engage the community.’’
Bringing in the community to the museum and introducing people to its activities is especially timely, he said, because the museum is in the midst of its annual membership and donation appeal.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town’’ was not on the playlist but Santa and Mrs. Claus came to Mattapoisett arrived at the end of the event anyway, bringing squeals of excitement from the crowd.
Mrs. Claus read “Twas the Night Before Christmas’’ before she and Santa greeted children and listened to their wishes.
Santa said he was happy to see such a nice group of children.
That brought the event full circle, since Roberts had mentioned Santa in her welcoming remarks.
“Sing nice and loud,’’ Roberts urged the crowd. “Santa is watching, Santa likes when you sing.’’
