Buckley: Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year in Hornell

“It's the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you be of good cheer. It's the most wonderful time of the year.”

2023 marks the 60-year anniversary of the classic “It's the most wonderful time of the year,” made famous by crooner Andy Williams. Six decades later, this iconic song is still going strong and is as relevant as ever, providing the perfect soundtrack to the Christmas season. For me, this upbeat number is always the first song on my Christmas playlist and instantly evokes warm Christmastime memories from my childhood.

I truly believe this really is “the most wonderful time of the year,” and the Maple City looks the part. I absolutely love all the gleaming lights, wreaths, and beautifully decorated trees this season brings.

Whether you are walking or driving throughout the downtown area, you can’t help but notice the warm, festive glow of the lights and decorations along the City streets. This is certainly true of the elegantly decorated new Union Square Park, which recently hosted the first annual Christmas at the Square concert.

Over the last several years, both the City and Hornell Partners for Growth have made great strides to dress up our downtown for the holidays. From building Santa’s Cottage and lining the streets with beautiful wreaths, to adding festive trees and garland to Union Square, the goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and inviting atmosphere here in Hornell.

As I wrote in my very first Christmas message in 2018, “one of the things I’ve worked very hard on and am most proud of, is working to improve how people feel, and creating a positive culture. It is my thought that positivity and negativity are equally contagious. With that in mind, I choose to invest in positivity.”

I believe that now, just as I did then. Having a beautifully decorated city helps foster a sense of community, creates long lasting memories, and raises spirits.

That said, Christmas spirit isn’t measured in candy canes or jingle bells. It isn’t measured in the number of trees, wreaths, or gleaming lights one decorates with. It isn’t measured in the number of presents you give or receive. And, it surely isn’t measured by the amount of money one spends shopping.

While it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and glitz and glam of the season, let us remember that the Christmas spirit is truly about one’s faith, being kind, generous, and charitable. It’s about selflessness and lending a helping hand to those in need. It’s about being joyful, and also forgiving.

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So, while we enjoy spending time and sharing traditions with family and friends this Christmas season, let us remember the truly important things, and spread love and good will throughout the year.

As the song goes ...

“There’ll be much mistltoeing

And hearts will be glowing

When loved ones are near

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

Indeed, it is. Merry Christmas, and God bless you all.

-- John Buckley is the Mayor of the City of Hornell.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Buckley: Hornell invests in positivity in most wonderful time of year