Christmas Eve at the Collier

Story and photos by Useppa Gin

Paul Miller was in fine form and the Useppa Chorale ready to sing.  The sounds of old standards and Christmas carols filled the inn.  Children were laughing, people singing, all dressed in holiday finery for the island's once a year musical gathering of family and friends.  Stephanie S. led everyone in "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."  Steve K. directed "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and Miller sang "Silent Night" in German with his grandson Tor C.

Family pictures round the Christmas tree.  Yesterday's children are now this year's young adults.  Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament playmates have graduated from college.  Last year's little kids still hang out in the pool and at the hot tub, but only after dark.  A new generation of Useppans takes its place in island history passing down island traditions.

Parents are now grandparents.  Those once babysat are now the babysitters.  And on Christmas Eve, past and present come together under the leadership of an eighty-seven year old conductor, younger at heart than most of his choir.