For a great number of Northwest Corner residents, the Christmas season is not complete without a visit to Christmas Village in Torrington. The magical feel and holiday ambiance of the place captive even before one enters the front gate.
My childhood memories of Christmas Village always start with snowball fights with my siblings, climbing on the stone wall near where we were waiting in line, damp mittens and frozen feet. After a couple of hours of eager anticipation, we reach the fire pit outside the entrance, where we can warm our hands and watch the police officer letting groups of people in, a few at a time.
Then, finally, the magic moment! We are allowed through the wrought-iron gate and begin the walk up the path to the portico. We no longer feel the cold. The glow from the Christmas lights on the roof dances across the snowy ground, while we stare, wide-eyed. In the portico are stacks of neatly piled wood, waiting to fill the fireplace in Santa's room.
The door to Santa's room opens, and we are awestruck. Before anything else, we notice the crackling fire, the animated monkey on the ceiling and the memorable, magical bubbles wafting from the top of the Christmas tree in the corner. Then we see HIM. Santa sits in his corner on a huge chair. We each shyly climb into his lap, tug at his (real) beard and are given a toy...a very special and treasured toy each year.
The door to the outside opens, and we are in the wonderland of Christmas memories. We cross the courtyard to see the toy shop of the elves. A fireplace warms that room, and we can actually watch the elves at work. We stand for a long time, wondering if they are making the toy to be delivered to us on Christmas.
Then it's outside again we go, to see the reindeer, stop by at the creche to take a moment to remember the reason for the season, then it's on to hot chocolate and a chance to sit in Santa's sleigh.
We visited Christmas Village almost each year growing up. That was many years ago. Since then I have been there with my own children, then my grandchildren. This year, though, I happened to be driving down Church Street last Thursday evening and the lights of the Village caught my eye. The gate was open and there was no line. Being a little bit after 8 p.m., I assumed it was closed, but parked my car and walked across the street anyway. The fire pit was there, blazing brightly, and the gate was open. I started up the familiar path.
Shortly before he died in 1986, I had the honor of interviewing Carl Bozenski, the man whose vision made Christmas Village possible. He was a quiet and unassuming man who was gave many generations of Torrington area people countless memories. He spoke to me then of the frustration he had felt with the commercialism of the Santas he had seen in department stores, and his desire for a more peaceful place for children to enjoy visiting Santa. So, in 1947, when Bozenski was serving as a supervisor of the Torrington Parks and Recreation Department, he pitched the idea of turning Alvord Park into a winter wonderland, and Christmas Village was born. It was later aptly re-named Carl Bozenski's Christmas Village.
I did finally go to see Santa that night. Two other adults were on their way in to see him, so I tagged along. The fire was still crackling, the monkey was still jumping, and the bubbles were still bubbling. And Santa's beard was still really attached to his face.
Outside, the creche was still brightly lit with its one lone star at the top and its baby in the manger, reminding us that through the years and all the accompanying changes, the Spirit of Christmas and the hope of the Christ Child are still there to guide us. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good life!
For more information about Christmas Village, visit torringtonct.or or call 860-489-2274.
Photo 1: The elves hard at work in the Toy Shop at Christmas Village
Photo 2: Mrs. Claus waits to welcome everyone to the North Pole
Photo 3: The creche reminds visitors of the true meaning of Christmas.
Photos by Colleen Gundlach