Everyone's a Critic

Today is my 29th birthday and December 4 will be my 25th Yuletide Celebration. As I have been receiving wonderful cards and calls from friends all day, I have realized that my birthday memories through the years have always been connected to the Yuletide Celebration and want to take a moment to reflect on my favorite memories through the years. We had recently moved to Indianapolis when my dad saw the advertisement for a new type of Christmas show taking place at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, The Yuletide Celebration. My earliest memories of Yuletide involve getting to wear my fancy purple coat and nice black gloves which was reserved only for Yuletide and Christmas Eve. I was sad when I grew out of that coat, but thankful our family's has continued. Our ticket quantity expanded from three to four in 1990 as my little sister joined us for the first time. In 1996 I fondly remember how I was allowed to invite my high school sweetheart to join my family. From 2000 to 2004 the challenge was finding a ride home from college to make it in time for the Yuletide. One year was not missed! Since 1985 I have seen many fun additions to Yuletide and of course gone through many ups and downs with my family but several things have remained constant. My family always contemplates the types of cookies we will get once we arrive at the Hilbert Theatre. Santa or a Christmas wreath is the big question. No matter my age, when I was four or when I will witness my 25th Yuletide this season, I will lean up in my chair to catch the first glimpse of a reindeer as Santa makes his way to the stage for Twas the Night Before Christmas. I will nudge and smile at my mom as the tap dancing Santas take the stage. And during intermission I will do the most magical thing of all. I will go out on the top level and stand on the large windowsill to look in amazement at the lights on the world's largest Christmas tree and the city that I love. Thank you Yuletide for making Indianapolis home! :)

Name: Jennifer McConnell
City: Indianapolis