Published: December 11, 2024
Just like the many residents and staff who live and work at Kendal, holiday celebrations at Kendal are creative, diverse and brimming with music and heartfelt joy.
One of Kendal’s showstoppers is Winter Solstice, which has been held at the retirement community since 1995.
“The focus of subsequent performances has varied over the years, from replicas of English performances and nostalgic looks at the music of the 1930s through the 1960s to multicultural collages of music and stories from many different parts of the world – all with costumes and dance,” according to the “History of Kendal at Oberlin.”
The 1995 celebration was held on winter solstice (Dec. 21) but in recent years it was moved to earlier in December. “Every Day is Earth Day!” is the theme of this year’s winter solstice.
“The program will begin with photos of structures created by indigenous peoples to mark the winter and summer solstices, like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu. We will use the beauty and wisdom of the Native Americans’ understanding of the web of life to help guide us as we commit to creating a more sustainable world,” organizers explain.
Like past Winter Solstices, this one includes lots of music, such as the Kendal Choir, the Bel Canto ringers and the Stephens Care Center Bell Choir.
Other holiday happenings at Kendal
Music and singalongs, storytelling, dance and spiritual gatherings, along with holiday cookies, are sprinkled throughout December.
This year Chanukah begins at sundown on Dec. 25 and continues until Jan. 1.
Residents plan to gather in Heiser Lounge at sundown Dec. 25 for candle lighting and blessings, and Rabbi Enid Ladar will join the gathering for the last menorah lighting.
Residents are also invited to a talk with Rabbi Ladar, entitled “The Art and History of the Menorah” on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Later that day, the preschoolers at Kendal Early Learning Center will sing their favorite holiday songs for residents and staff. And Kendal music therapist Jara Dell will share her musical talents playing the marimba in Dec. 23.
The Strongsville-based Celebration Ringers Handbell Choir will perform at Kendal on Dec. 20 at 7:15 p.m.
Led by director Patty Yates, the group has performed for more than 20 years in Northeast Ohio. (Currently Kendal resident Betsy Allen is a member.)
Holiday highlights off campus
The Oberlin Ecumenical Carol Sing is Sun., Dec. 22, with singers gathering at 3:15 p.m. at the Tappan Square flagpole. The group will go caroling through downtown Oberlin, then walk to Peace Community Church for a 5 p.m. service. Following the service, carolers are invited to stay and enjoy Christmas refreshments.
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture, celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Here are two local Kwanzaa events.
The Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is holding “The Light of Kinara: A Kwanzaa Celebration” at Gordon Square Theatre Dec. 19-22. The event features music, dance and spoken word and tickets range from “choose what you pay” to $50.
And the Cleveland Public Library, Woodland Branch, is featuring the “Unity and the Spirit of Kwanzaa” celebration at 4 p.m. on Dec. 27. The event is free but registration is required.
Two family friendly annual holiday events full of lights and eclectic displays are “Wild Winter Lights” at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and “Frost” at Cleveland Botanical Garden.
The zoo features more than 1.5 million lights around multiple holiday-themed areas. The display runs through Dec. 30 and tickets for members and non-members are required.
“Frost” is open until Jan. 5. “Our indoor and outdoor gardens transform with dazzling light installations, a tunnel of flowers, larger-than-life animals, seasonal soundscapes and much more to create a completely immersive world for the holiday season,” according to the Botanical Garden.
Tickets for everyone also required for this event.
