Community Corner

Lighting Up the Night: A Holiday Tradition Celebrates 40 Years

For more than four decades, the Civitarese and Cushman families have been lighting up Garfield Road every holiday season

By Liz Taurasi and Tracey White

For more than 40 years, the Civitarese and Cushman families have been welcoming children and families to their home for what has become a welcome holiday tradition in Dedham for decades - their holiday light display. 

On Sunday, the lights went on for the first time this year at 121 Garfield Road, and once again, children were lined up to meet Santa as he arrived on fire engine once again to ring in the holiday season. Even the rain didn’t keep them away.

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Their are thousands of lights and hundreds of decorations the public is invited to come look at and enjoy throughout the month of December. 

On the 40th anniversary of this family’s and town tradition, current and former town officials were also on hand to ring in the season with the Civitarese and Cushman families and applaud the family for years of bringing holiday joy to families throughout the area.

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Rita Mae Cushman received a citation from State Rep. Paul McMurtry, as well as a declaration from the Dedham Board of Selectman.

Selectman Jim MacDonald spoke highly of Cushman's parents Robertha and Nick Civitarese, who started the tradition 40 years ago. 

Former Selectman Tony Taurasi thanked Cushman for opening her home to so many each year and bringing joy to so many children and adults alike.

Sunday was Santa's first of many visits to the festive Garfield Road house. They served coffee, hot chocolate and many varieties of cookies and pastries while children waited in line to chat with Santa.

"I came here as a child and now bring my children to enjoy the lights and decorations," was a sentiment by many that where there to celebrate the day.

The lights and display will be up through Dec. 26 and the public is invited to view them each night.

Santa is scheduled to make three more appearances before Christmas - Dec. 15 at 5 p.m., Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m.


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