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A Colorful Christmas
Brad Dickerson/Highlands Today
Robert O' Neal, 8, left, hauls around younger brother John Connor, 2, through the Florida Hospital's holiday light display, which was unveiled to the public Tuesday night. Once lit, residents of all ages made their way through the tunnel to observe the lights for themselves. This is the ninth year the hospital has had such a display.
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Published: December 4, 2008
SEBRING - It was beginning to look - and feel - a lot like Christmas Tuesday night at Florida Hospital's annual holiday tree lighting event.
Around 100 onlookers, which included hospital staff and their families, braved the cool temperatures to see a festival of lights. The National Weather Service had predicted the overnight low to drop to 38 degrees by Wednesday morning.
Still, the holiday spirit was in the air and revelers kept warm by dressing for the occasion and indulging on some hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies.
"Without Christmas, our boring, uneventful lives would have no stress at all," said Richard Barron, hospital chaplain, referencing anecdotes about what life would be like if Dec. 25 was not celebrated.
"I thank God for Christmas," Barron added.
Hospital CEO Tim Cook, guitar in hand, led the crowd in a singing of "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Cook's six-string strumming and the crowd's voices were accompanied by percussion courtesy of Walker Academy's Fire and Steel Drum Band.
The crowd then began a countdown and the lights were turned on, instantly transforming the hospital's patio into a garden of color. Revelers both young and old walked through the yard to catch a glimpse of the holiday displays up close and personal.
As the Fire and Steel Drum Band entertained the crowd with their takes on songs like Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl," delighted children took a knee with Ol' Saint Nick and relayed just what they hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning.
Hannah Brown, 7, did not ask for Santa for a doll or a puppy. Instead, her wish list could possibly be filed under "big kid" toys.
"(I want) a cellphone and a computer," Brown said.
The public is invited to come and see the light display throughout the holiday season. It will be open on the weekends from 6 to 10 p.m., now until New Year's Eve.
"It's just a way for us to give back," said Cathy Albritton, director of marketing and public relations for Florida Hospital.
Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com
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