For 25 years, friends and neighbors have gathered together on the Village Green to lift up their voices in song on Christmas Eve, and this year was no exception.
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Marion Hanold is a member of the North Shore Sheridan Singers and the unofficial event coordinator of Holiday Sing. The event is community-run and encouraged by the Winnetka Park District.
“We gather each year to remind ourselves of the reason for the season, and that we sing with one another to celebrate,” Hanold said.
“The act of singing basically shuts out all the noise and craziness of our world, and lets us focus on the same notes together,” she added.
According to Hanold, singing physically releases endorphins that flood your brain with a feeling of well-being, and singing together creates a bonding experience.
B.J. Macias said that each year the Holiday Sing event seems to grow in popularity.
“In 2020, the event was held virtually, but this year nearly 300 songbooks were distributed,” Macias said.
Friday’s carols were led by the Sheridan Singers.
The Sheridan Singers, as described on their website, are a singing group performing since 2013 — exploring a rich cannon of choral styles.
Holiday songbooks were distributed during the event and included traditional favorites like “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” “White Christmas” and others.
Jon Hahner attended Friday with family.
“This is a Winnetka tradition that we love being a part of, we see neighbors and friends who are like family, so being with them makes the holiday special for us,” Hahner said.
Pedro Zevallos of Winnetka also attended with his family.
“We are here to celebrate Christmas and to have a joyful time.” Zevallos said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.