As Christmas draws nearer, I think we’re all aware of the island holiday traditions that we’re not able to participate in this year. From the Whaler’s concert to singing at neighbor’s houses to Christmas Eve services at the church, we miss many of the moments that make the season here on the island.

With that in mind, we want to invite you all to help us re-imagine one of our cherished island rituals: the lighting of candles and singing of “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve. There are directions below for people who want to sing parts, people who just want to sing melody, and people who don’t sing at all but would like to participate. We also have options for the tech-challenged, including a short Zoom recording session facilitated by Ben.

We’d love voices from the whole Chebeague community, even those not living on island currently. We’ll take your contributions and mix them into a community-wide Silent Night that will be shared at the church’s online Christmas Eve service and then with the whole community as well.

If you’re interested in participating, click here for directions. We’ll need your recordings by 5PM on Sunday, December 20th. If you have questions or need help troubleshooting, please feel free to contact Ben at ben.yosuadavis@gmail.com

- Ben Yosua-Davis, Herb Maine, Chip Emery