READING, Pa. – Reading is setting the holiday season in motion. The mayor hosted the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Penn Street.
“I’m excited to be able to bring the holiday season in downtown, starting today by illuminating our Christmas tree,” said Eddie Morán, the mayor of Reading.
The holiday season has officially started in Reading with the lighting of the iconic tree on Penn Street.
“This was fabulous to see the city get together as one. Reading looks after each other,” said Kare Alick, Reading.
And although the tree is beautiful and bright, this year the event holds an even more special meaning.
“This year’s theme is ‘giving back’ and continuing to give back,” Morán said. “And as we all know, as the saying goes, that giving back is not just what comes wrapped in a gift box. It’s about giving kindness, about giving love, about giving care to one another and support one another.”
“It’s time that we do that, but not just during the holiday season — every day of the year,” the mayor said. “So my hope tonight is resonates with the community.”
That’s what people in the community say Reading is all about.
“I help out a lot with my daughter’s school. I go to a food bank, and I help hand out stuff to people that need it,” said Melissa Keota, Reading. “That’s what the city does. We give to each other without any answers. We are one big family. We can’t use something here; let me give it to you.”
The smell of hot chocolate and sweet treats filled the air, while young and old greeted the man of the hour.
“This is very exciting for me. I’ve been doing this for 30 years.” Santa said. “My cousin did it, my dad did it, then I took it from there, and here I am.”
And no gift is greater than precious time with the ones you love.
“Hopefully this Christmas I could be happy and that my family could come see me so I don’t have to feel alone just Christmas or in Thanksgiving,” said Abigail Delgado, Reading.