Hanover Municipal Corporation brings Christmas cheer to residents

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Hanover Municipal Corporation brought cheers to thousands of adults and children on Tuesday night at its annual Mayor's Treat for Children and Municipal Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony in Bustamante Square, Hanover.

More than 2,000 children were feted and given presents at the treat, which had Lucea's mayor, Councillor Sheridan Samuels, assisting volunteers to hand out the gifts.

"We never expected so many children to come out. It is about twice the number that came last year," said Samuels.

"It was a great event, and we had support from several of our private-sector partners," said Samuels.

Season of sharing

Following the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, Samuels underscored the need for sharing during the festive season, urging residents to remember to show love towards the less fortunate.

"Our idea of Christmas, whether old fashion or modern, should be very simple, it must be about loving others. The joy of brightening other people's lives should become the magic of the holidays."

Hanover Custos Dr David Stair encouraged Jamaicans to look outside of their immediate families when they think of giving for the festive season.

"Reach out to each other, forgive those who have offended you, let go of the stress and anger that are only shortening your own lives, and turn over a new leaf in the year ahead," advised Stair.