GREENFIELD — A joyful atmosphere reigned over Main Street Friday afternoon as last-minute holiday shoppers browsed elaborate window displays, met friends for lunch, and shared personal thoughts about the meaning of Christmas.
“It means to me the spirit of peace, love and being kind to one another,” said Terrie Patenaude of Greenfield, who, like many, was outside enjoying the day’s balmy mid-40 degree temperatures.
“I’m so chill about it this year,” said Goshen resident Joan Griswold, who’d just exited Wilson’s Department Store with her husband, Gary Griswold around noon, adding with a laugh, “We’re the Griswolds. Seriously,” a reference to the protagonists in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
For many, the season brings with it a chance to slow down and observe Christmas traditions, both religious and secular.
“I’m a classic Christmas guy — baby Jesus, friends, family — took a nostalgic tour through Wilson’s,” Gary Griswold said.
Just down the street and past about a half-dozen window shoppers and a few streetlights wrapped in garlands, Greenfield resident Maryellen Grealis reflected the Griswolds’ sentiments.
“Christmas to me means the birth of Christ, and all of the implications of that. It’s salvation for everyone, a reason for great joy,” she said.
To others, the holidays are for quality time with family and friends — an opportunity, as local resident Kate Snyder related, to create “that magic that I remember as a kid.”
“I’m a parent,” Snyder continued, “so it means giving my kids a really good day, and helping them feel loved. Zooming out, it means making the world a better place. Helping each other out — it’s kind of corny, but it’s true.”
Mark Crossman, who was walking past Wilson’s with two friends helping him carry gifts for his wife, said “it’s a time for family — family and friends. Especially on a day like today.”
“And we’ll top it off with a beer!” said one of Crossman’s friends, Marc Girard, before the trio disappeared down Main Street.