Keeping the light burning bright

Kindnesses, both big and small, matter now more than ever.”

Linda Gross

When floodwaters swept through our community this fall, word traveled quickly beyond our borders. What followed was an extraordinary wave of encouragement, donations, and heartfelt messages that reminded us how deeply our town is cared for.

It came from everywhere — from the aunt who once lived here, the cousin who moved away years ago, the long-lost high school buddy who still feels a connection to this place. From people who once passed through, attended an event, or made a memory here — and carried Globe with them long after they left.

This month, another reminder quietly rolled into town — and then lit it up.

Residents were curious when large trucks arrived and crews began unboxing waves of Christmas decorations throughout the community. Giant bows adorned the streetlights. A glowing golden arch appeared. An Instagram-ready snowman and Santa showed up at City Hall, and a towering Christmas tree rose at the arts center.

It looked like a professional production — the kind normally reserved for big cities and corporate centers. The kind of décor that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

It was exactly that. But it was all donated. The decor. The design. The labor.

The full story will be available this week on our website, but what matters most is this: it was all donated — a gift from Christmas Lighting Decorations, thanks to their connection to us. Another reminder that ties to this town run far deeper and far wider than we often realize.

Kindnesses, both big and small, matter now more than ever.

From grand gestures to everyday courtesies — from patience and civility to grace, kindness, and the willingness to give one another room for imperfection — these are the qualities carrying our community right now. The flood tested us in ways we never expected. The recovery is still uneven and, at times, exhausting. But again and again, we are reminded that decency still lives here. That people still show up. That generosity still surprises us.

The lights will come down after the holidays. The decorations will be packed away. But the message behind them — that we are seen, remembered, and supported — should stay with us far longer. In a season marked by loss and rebuilding, these kindnesses create lasting memories.