A NOT SO SILENT NIGHT. First Presbyterian Church is inviting the community to join in on a caroling Christmas Eve. (Photo via Unsplash)

‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through Eau Claire – a chorus of voices was filling the air… It’s that time of year again, and to celebrate, the First Presbyterian Church (2112 Rudolph Rd., Eau Claire) is inviting the community to join them in a heartwarming tradition that began in 2020. 

During the height of the pandemic, in-person church services began to dwindle and people could no longer gather indoors. Searching for a safe and accessible way to bring people together, minister Kathy Walker called a local radio station to ask if they would play two classic songs on Christmas Eve – “Silent Night” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The people at the radio station loved the idea and agreed to play the songs. “Our vision is of a city united in song on Christmas Eve – sort of like the Whos down in Whoville,” Walker said. “The Grinch couldn’t stop Christmas from coming and neither could COVID.” 

This Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 10pm, community members are encouraged to step outside, light a candle, and join in singing the two carols. For accompaniment, people are welcome to turn their car radio to FM 98.1 or play the songs through a speaker/boombox. 

“Music has the power to bring people together, even in difficult times,” Walker said. “This event encourages people to pause for a moment and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.”

For more information about the First Presbyterian Church of Eau Claire, check out their website.