HAMLET OF HENSONVILLE TREE-LIGHTING - Christmas carols, gingerbread cookies and Jolly Ol’ St. Nick

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/14/25 | 12/14/25

The Community of Windham Foundation hosted the annual tree-lighting in the hamlet of Hensonville, last weekend, where Santa Claus received a hug from, and gave one back to, young resident Benjamin Chase.

Tom Martin was in his customary Guest of Honor seat for the tree-lighting, joined by his daughters Teri Martin and Eileen Martin and granddaughter Erin Campbell (standing left to right). Mr. Martin, who donated the tree in memory of his parents, John and Ella, turns 97 on New Year’s Eve.

Hensonville tree-lighting was wintery cold on the outside but summery warm on the inside, drawing a nice crowd to the Neighborhood Green, singing carols and welcoming in the holiday season.

Gingerbread cookies, snickerdoodles, hot chocolate and sundry goodies of a Christmas kind were provided to revelers of all ages by Anne Stowell (center), proprietor of Haymarket, the newest enterprise in town. The cafe, coffee bar, grocery store and specialty items shop is located along Route 296 in the center of the hamlet of Hensonville - around the side and in the back of the former - and still picturesque - Methodist Church.