Holly Jolly Celebrations Light Up Black Mountain
The picturesque town of Black Mountain was filled with holiday cheer on December 6, as the annual Holly Jolly celebration drew in hundreds of locals and visitors alike. The air was buzzing with excitement, laughter, and the warm glow of festive lights. This beloved tradition kicked off with a heartwarming reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by local heroes including the Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the Town Manager, each chosen to honor their hard work during this year’s Tropical Storm Helene.
A Special Start to the Holiday Season
The evening took a magical turn when Santa and Mrs. Claus flipped the switch to light up the towering Christmas tree in Town Square. The crowd erupted in a chant of “Black Mountain Strong,” a fitting tribute to the resilience of the community. It was a sight to behold, with families gathered, children’s eyes wide with wonder, and the spirit of joy palpable in the air.
Traditionally held on the first weekend of December, Holly Jolly marks the official beginning of the holiday season in Black Mountain. Downtown shops extended their hours, inviting everyone to explore and soak in the festive atmosphere. This year’s celebration was particularly important as it also featured a toy giveaway for the children of the Swannanoa Valley, ensuring that every little one had a gift to cherish.
Community Resilience Post-Helene
Given the challenges local businesses faced due to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Holly Jolly could not have come at a more crucial time. Many shops had suffered losses, closing during October—their busiest month. “Business has been slow since reopening,” shared Maretta Mori, an employee at Key City Antiques, who noted that even though their Small Business Saturday was successful, customer traffic has noticeably decreased since then.
“We appreciate every person that comes in, shopping local,” Mori added. “Tonight’s going really great. We’re so thankful for Holly Jolly.” Other business owners echoed her sentiments, as they too felt the revival of customer interest through the event.
Local Spirits Rising
Chelsea Morning, owner of The Curiosity Shoppe, described her sales as “up and down” post-Helene, but expressed optimism that Holly Jolly brought back a sense of normalcy, saying, “If we could keep this up through the end of the year, we might survive.” The festive spirit among the community was clearly uplifting for shop owners, many of whom were thrilled to see locals and visitors alike coming together.
Lucy O’Brien, a proud native of Black Mountain, shared her love for the Holly Jolly tradition. “I’m really trying to do only locally made gifts this year,” she said, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses that were hit hard this year by the storm. Her heartfelt effort to stimulate the local economy resonated with many in attendance.
A Warm Welcome for Visitors
The holiday spirit wasn’t just local; tourists are also drawn to Black Mountain during this festive time. Jean and Dirk van Hyning from Spartanburg, South Carolina, made their way back to experience Holly Jolly after being charmed by it the previous year. “We wanted to come back, especially because of the storm,” Jean said, reflecting the town’s resilience and charm.
The Heart of Black Mountain
For many, Holly Jolly serves as a wonderful community gathering, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors. “It’s just a good gathering of everybody, and it supports the local businesses,” Mori said, capturing the essence of what Holly Jolly represents for the community.
As the evening progressed, the streets of Black Mountain remained alive with laughter, joy, and the warm glow of holiday lights, reminding everyone that together, they are Black Mountain Strong.
