From the archives: Curious cats check out holiday lights back in 2008

This is one of my fondest Yuletide photo memories.

Derby Public Library to host 'The Fright Before Christmas' with Jeff Belanger

6 p.m. Nov. 27Derby Public Library313 Elizabeth St., Derby

Please register at https://bit.ly/3QwlRyv
Putting FEAR back into this festive time of year....
“There'll be scary ghost stories / And tales of the glories / of Christmases long, long ago…”

Author, researcher, storyteller, podcaster, and explorer of the unexplained, Belanger returns to the Derby Public Library to share stories and lore from his new book, "The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters."

His new book delves into the folklore of Krampus and other yuletide beasties and ghosts coming for us in "The Fright Before Christmas." Join us as Belanger explores some of the darker sides of the holidays.

One of New England’s premiere legend storytellers, Jeff is the award-winning, Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the New England Legends series on PBS and Amazon Prime, and is the author of over a dozen books on the paranormal (published in six languages). He also hosts the popular New England Legends weekly podcast. For more on Belanger please visit www.jeffbelanger.com
This will be an evening you won’t forget! 
The is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Historical Society Yuletide celebrations spur memories of holiday fun

The 'Twelfth Night' celebration at the David Humphreys House in 2020 recently came up in my Facebook memories.

Click here to read newsletter:

https://3d62a228-eb5f-443c-a1ec-b9ff5c58ad34.filesusr.com/ugd/329bf6_c9941c6082194cd5b438a4ea13013993.pdf

An old-fashioned Christmas last month at the Humphreys House

ANSONIA  - The old-fashioned Christmas celebration at the David Humphreys House on Dec. 18, 2022 was a big success, Derby Historical Society publicity committee chairman Joseph DiRienzo said. 

Preparing snacks!

It featured Yuletide carolers, Christmas stories read by the fire, holiday games and crafts, gingerbread cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and colonial period snacks.

A costumed docent speaks with visitors.

A big thanks goes to Joseph DiRienzo, Derby Historical Society publicity committee chairman, for the photos and text.

Storyteller to spin tales of Yuletide season at Seymour Public Library

*This program is not suitable for children under the age of 12!  

SEYMOUR - Join Jeff Belanger as he brings back the legends, monsters, and ghosts of the Yuletide season. 

One of New England's premiere legend storytellers, he's the award-winning, Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the New England Legends series on PBS and Amazon Prime, and is the author of over a dozen books on the paranormal (published in six languages). 

He also hosts the popular New England Legends weekly podcast.
This will be an evening you will not forget!

For more information call the Seymour Public Library at 203-888-3903 or email sgarvey@biblio.org.

Library doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 for seating until 7:15 p.m. Circulation and computers remain closed.

This is shared from the Seymour Public Library Facebook page.

Warm wishes for a wonderful Christmas

Derby Historical Society hosts 'Twelfth Night' at Humphreys House

Visitors to the Gen. David Humphreys House today were greeted by this pair of vintage snow people. 

In Christian tradition Twelfth Night marks the end of the Christmas season. 
The Derby Historical Society holds the celebration each year in January at the Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.

Docent Jody Bishel mixes cornbread batter. 

And here she demonstrates open hearth cooking as it was done in Colonial time.

Re-enactors from the Sixth Connecticut Regiment and historical society docents sing Christmas carols.


Full disclosure: my daughter was a costumed docent at the celebration (although she didn't sing) and my husband is a member of the Society's board of directors.  

Please stay tuned to the Valley Voice website this week for more photos from this always fun event. 

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all!

May your day be filled with fun, food, family, friends, and the spirit of the Yuletide season!

A message from Seymour first selectman

"Christmas is a time to reflect on all that is good in our lives, some things big and others small. It is a time for family and friends, for good cheer and happiness. It is a time we wish joy to all. 

"But, unfortunately, this spirit only seems to last a few days. Please join me in working to keep this wonderful holiday spirit all year long. Together, let's make 2015 the best year yet. Tara, Drew, Kaitlyn and I would like to wish you all a joyous holiday season. From our family to yours, may you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year."

- Kurt Miller

* Note: This is taken from the Office of the First Selectman's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host holiday event

Connecticut Yuletide Carolers to perform

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to its Annual Holiday Open House from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Over the years the day's activities have expanded.  From 1:30-4 p.m. Marc Weissman will entertain 

visitors on the keyboard as he plays the sounds of the season. 

In what has become a holiday tradition, the evening festivities will include a visit from the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers from 6-7:30 p.m.

These traditionally-garbed Carolers will fill the cold winter air with the warm sounds of the season, bringing holiday cheer to young and old alike.

They will stroll throughout the Library, inviting everyone to sing along with them. Cookies and punch will be available throughout the day. There will also be free holiday-themed basket raffles open to all visitors.

As usual, this beautiful historic building will be decked, inside and out, in all its holiday glory. Everyone is invited to take part in this special day.  

For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit 

www.derbypubliclibrary.org.        


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.