Brewster High School’s Democratic Congress Brings Safe Holiday Fun to the Community

While the holidays are sure to look different this year, Brewster High School’s Democratic Congress has a plan to keep local families safe while providing festive fun. The club is hosting Home for the Holidays, a holiday lights driving tour for Brewster families. 

“A few weeks ago, someone posted in a Facebook group that my mom belongs to about a holiday lights driving tour in Hyde Park and asked whether something similar could be done in Brewster,” said junior Nora Paladino, vice president of Democratic Congress. “I thought it was a great idea that would build community and spread some holiday cheer, so I brought it up to Democratic Congress.”

After running it by the club’s advisors and checking in with the Southeast Museum (which usually does a holiday walking tour but unfortunately had to cancel it this year because of COVID), students decided to move forward with the idea.

Twenty-two homes have registered for the event and the club created a numbered, anonymous map which will allow local families to drive the tour route and vote online for their favorite holiday lights display. December 11 through December 20, each of the homes on the list will be lit from 5 to 9 pm. Kobacker's has generously donated a gift card for the winner, which will be announced on December 22.

“Democratic Congress is the bridge between high school administration and students and focuses on building community,” Nora said. The club usually holds an annual Day of Community, during which high schoolers run activities at JFK Elementary School and CV Starr Intermediate School. Since that event cannot be held this year due to COVID, club members believe activities like the holiday lights driving tour are even more important for students.  

“We’re hopeful that this event builds community in Brewster and can bring some joy to this unusual holiday season,” Nora said.