Brewster Residents Plan for Second Annual 'Lights on the Hill'

More than 30 families in the Village of Brewster lit luminaries outside their home last Christmas Eve as a sign of peace and unity, and this year local folks are hoping for even greater participation.

Organized by the Brewster Hill Neighborhood Association, the inaugural event also honored those lost in the tragic shooting that took place 20 miles away at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

"The event was originally planned as a sign of peace and unity among our neighbors, but after the tragedy we all experienced in neighboring Newtown, CT, we are now emphasizing the need for peace this Christmas and in the new year," coordinators wrote last year.

This year the goal is the same: To spread the feeling of peace.

Here are the instructions for the luminaries:

• Use small candles (tea lights don't stay lit well, but battery-operated lights work fine), small glass jars or dixie cups, sand and lunch-size paper bags 
• Open the bags and put about an inch of sand in the bottom of the bag
• Place the candles in small jars, dixie cups, or anything non-flammable and set in the sand
• Light the candles inside the bags at dusk and replace candles as needed

The Brewster Hill Neighborhood Association is made up of residents who live in the area North of Main Street and east of North Main Street (Prospect, Center and Garden streets, as well as Eastview Avenue) in the village.

Don't forget to share photos of your luminaries, and your holiday celebrations, in this community gallery.

Editor's note: This post was published at 9 a.m. Dec. 20. It has since been updated.