Christmas has arrived in Holbeck! Over the weekend the people of Holbeck gathered together for a weekend of Christmas events; and with the Christmas Market on Saturday, and the light switch on followed by carols on Sunday evening, I for one am feeling thoroughly ready for Christmas.
The markets on Sunday saw a range of stalls, from City Councillor Angela’s homemade jams and chutneys, to handmade decorations made and sold by members of the local Scout group. And of course it wouldn’t be a Christmas market without a tombola, and even a visit from Santa!
Families and neighbours popped in for a browse of the stalls, or a cup of soup served with fresh bread from local supermarket Venus. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces, and meet some new ones. Fiona Orr, a new member of council, stopped by to show her support and it was great to see people who have a voice for Holbeck so obviously caring about what goes on here. 
The festivities continued on Sunday with preparations for the annual Carol Service hosted by members of Mosaic Church. Once again neighbours and families gathered around the Christmas tree on Holbeck moor ready to countdown for the big light switch on, before heading into the warmth of St. Matthews for a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie before the Christmas service began.
This is my first Christmas in Holbeck and as I looked around the room at the many faces who had come to celebrate and sing together, I felt very grateful to be part of this community. The Christmas story was re-told by various residents of Holbeck, who each read a few lines in a short video that had been put together. There was something special about seeing so many familiar faces reading parts of the Christmas story in places that I walk past every day. Afterwards you could hear people leaning over to those who’d been in the video and it was definitely a lovely way to hear the story read.
With over 100 people gathered together to celebrate, this years Carol Service is certainly one I won’t forget. After the service a meal was shared with people staying long after the carols had finished. What a great way to start the countdown to Christmas!
