Special Christmas Eve Illumination Planned
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Published on Tuesday, 22 December 2009 01:44
Mary Stuller imagines a Christmas Eve in Ave Maria filled with light everywhere. And to that end, she and her husband, Don, are trying to begin a tradition of residents putting out "luminaries" on Christmas Eve.
"Luminaries are little candle lanterns made from small paper bags that line a roadway or driveway," Mrs. Stuller said. "The origin of the luminary goes back to 1400-1450. The word means lamp, light, torch, or heavenly body, that which gives light. "
Many neighborhoods around the country follow the luminary tradition, Mrs. Suller said. "On Christmas Eve, families drive around to see the luminaries. Luminaries remind us of God's Light." (right, an example)
The white bags and tea lights for luminaries are available at the Stuller's shop, Qwik Pack & Ship, in the Ave Maria town center. Ave Maria Development has made sand available at South Park for all residents to use with the luminaries. "If a family will be out of town, all they have to do is get the materials and have a neighbor put them out on Christmas Eve around 7:00pm along the perimeter of their home on the street," Mrs. Stuller said.
"Familes that have experienced the luminaries have found it quite memorable."
