Every year, the holidays start earlier. Black Friday deals are handed out weeks before Thanksgiving Day, and the stores are decked in the halls by early November. Christmas carols are being piped into retail stores before the fall foliage fully develops. Combining that with life’s everyday hustle and bustle, keeping the stress monster away becomes hard.
The beloved Carol, Silent Night, has a beautiful story of origin. It was written in 1816 by a young Austrian priest, Joseph Mohr. Inspired by the momentary peacefulness of his village countryside one night, he wrote this poem to bring hope to the people. Their village had survived 12 years of war, famine, and brutally cold weather. Its message is meant to spread faith, resilience, and unity. Silent Night, Holy Night, all is Calm, all is Bright. The words bring new meaning when you understand what they were trying to overcome as a society. We have all been challenged in some way this year, and we want to encourage you to stop and take a breath. We know it’s hard. Work, school, shopping, packing, travel…it builds up this time of year. But what if we all stopped for a few days (OK, fine, you workaholics, just one day) and relaxed? What if, just for a few moments…all was calm and bright?
We at the Inn on Church Road love all things Christmas. We love the decorations, warm mulled cider, a glass of wine by the crackling fire with our favorite snack, and the smell of a fresh-cut tree twinkling merrily in the evening light. But most of all, we love spending time with family and friends and taking that much-needed break from the everyday grind of life. We would love you to visit over the holidays. Spend a few days with us and just breathe.
Come for a relaxing stroll through Hershey Gardens, where you can see nine stunningly decorated trees created by local designers, a 14-foot poinsettia tree, and a beautiful 8-foot bromeliad tree. They will also have the Butterfly Atrium decorated for the season. You can even sit in Hersheypark’s Comet coaster car for the perfect holiday photo (next year’s holiday card)!
If you want something with a bit of excitement and 5 million twinkling lights, you must check out Hersheypark! There are multiple venues, like Hershey Sweet Lights,where you can drive through trails in your nice warm car and view 600 animated displays. If you want some exercise, check out Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, where you can ride select coasters, sip hot chocolate, and stroll through the millions of lights!
You may want to start a new holiday tradition and take in some culture at Hershey Theater. Located in downtown Hershey, their schedule is packed with seasonal events. You can choose between holiday concerts like the Hershey Symphony’s Holiday Spectacular or shows like the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker. This stunning theater will not disappoint, no matter what you choose.
Or you can just come and sit with us, rest by our crackling fireplace, and read or talk with your favorite human. Revel in a hot soak in one of our luxurious tubs and breathe. Sleep in one of our plush beds and rejuvenate yourself. Life can be full of challenges and unexpected events. Take this season and rest. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to wish you the happiest of the holidays: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our house to yours.
May All Be Calm and Bright and Sleep in His Heavenly Peace.
Your Innkeepers,
Hannah and Dan Smith