Caroling out in the cold

As the large tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center was underway on Wednesday November 28, the Shore Road Parks Conservancy threw its own annual neighborhood tree lighting, bringing out families and children of all ages.

Despite the North Pole temperatures, kids were excited to see Santa, who on his way in dropped his hat and laughed it off; the Ferretti kids couldn’t wait to sit on his lap and ask for the things on their wish list.

“They’re on the naughty list!” exclaimed Dante and Dana Ferretti’s father. Dante, five, and Dana, seven, chuckled at their dad’s remarks, saying that this year they are asking for a real dog, a Husky, and a real car. “High-maintenance kids, as you can tell,” joked the older Ferretti about his kids, who both attend St. Anselm School.

Hot chocolate was distributed to help everyone stay warm as the Xaverian High School’s Glee Club and the Guild for Exceptional Children Chorus caroled joyous songs like “Jingle Bells” and “First Noel,” making people cheerfully sing along.

“My favorite part of the tree is that it has so many lights,” said eight-year-old Nicholas Bambina after the tree, located at the gazebo at 90th Street and Shore Road, was lit a little after 7:30 p.m.

Bambina stood in front of the tree accompanied by his younger sister, Julianna, and his cousin Luca Adala. “It’s fabulous,” the kids said. “I want superheroes for Christmas,” one yelled out.

In the line waiting to meet Santa was Jack Janes, all bundled up, with his parents. The four-year-old was going to ask the fat, white-bearded man for cars that transform into dinosaurs.

“It’s our first time coming,” said Kelly Janes, “I love the cookies, the hot chocolate, the singing and the nice community feel,” she added.