It was really quite simple. Christmas carols, a lamp lighting ceremony, a story, a speech. We joined residents and tourists in our favorite town on the Oregon coast, Cannon Beach, for a holiday tradition. And it felt intimate and wonderful. The fragile aging lamplighter (appropriately dressed in red and green plaid) was there to cheer the children now carrying on his tradition and to receive the love and attention of his community. Stories were told of families and rituals. Strangers, we were included, whether we knew the words to the carols or not. Community, welcome, tradition — shared and received.