Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

The young men and women of the Amity High School Chamber Choir stood on the stairs of the Thomas Darling house, their faces scrubbed, shiny and expectant as they looked to their director standing at the bottom of the stairs. A large crowd had come in from the neighboring room with the cookies and punch to hear them sing. Several held up their cellphones to record the performance.

For over two decades the chamber choir has sung in this house. The house itself has stood in Woodbridge for over two centuries. While the cellphones recording the performance and the handheld video games of some of the younger folks attending the open house are new additions, there was something timeless about the event.

The pure a cappella carols, and later, the carol sing around piano in a different room harkened back, not to a simpler time, for life has always had its struggles, just different struggles. Instead it was a reminder of what we have in common, gathering around in friendship and music, appreciating beauty and the hope and joy we can find, if we take a moment to look.

After they sang, the choir rushed off to their next event in Orange and others lingered to share stories of the history of Woodbridge.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.