The annual tradition of the downtown tree lighting Dec.5 drew a large crowd of about a thousand people fighting off the rapid chill-down that led to the amazing snowfall two mornings later. With the angelic songs of the Mt. Diablo Elementary School choir under the guidance of Michael Hanna at the gazebo, carriage rides around the square and visitors gathering at local eateries as they waited for Santa, the chill seemed to bother no one – adding instead to the holiday charm.

“This is really cute,” said Lindsay Bradburn, holding little Brook as she stood against a park bench so she could see, with daddy Keith and sister Lindsay by her side. “It’s amazing,” said Keith.

New to the festivities this year, was the horse and carriage sponsored by local Realtor, Stephanie Lopez and Ed Moresi, owner of Moresi’s Chophouse and Ed’s Mudville Grill.

Over 100 riders clip-clopped their way around town in the the old-fashioned carriage lit up with white lights.

“This is such a fun way to give back to the community,” said Lopez.

Farther down Main Street, Geri Engberg, Michael Hanna’s wife and their dog Blue, decked out with antlers, waited for the crowds to work their way to the tree.

Twenty-one-year old Jeff Holmes was also waiting, as he paced and climbed ladders to the roof of the Clayton Community Church – where his handiwork of technological organization in the form of 13,000 lights needed finishing adjustments for the show that the church would put on after the tree lighting. “It’s three years for me doing this,” Holmes said enthusiastically, “and two years at the church.”

He got interested after watching a similar setup on YouTube, the online video portal. “The first year I did it at my house,” Holmes said. “Then the pastor (Shawn Robinson) saw it.”

Holmes says Robinson had a “big vision.” The church show choreographs musical numbers to the lights, which include light-emitting diodes that allow images to form as well as letters. The show runs through Christmas, every night at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. thanks to the computer system that controls everything and requires only minimal work to maintain. “It’s all automated once we set the program,” Holmes said.

In his 90 or so shows, there have only been two glitches which he confesses to being caused by his last-minute adjustments. At the tree, the crowd waited for Santa. Kids were perched atop parent shoulders, vapor from a multitude of open mouths creating a winter mist against the few street lights.

With an adjustment of his hat, Santa ordered the lights on and the tree lit up – a pretty jewel of light in the heart of what would soon become a winter wonderland.

As people moved away, the church came to life and families braved the cold to stay and watch. Off to one side, Holmes enjoyed his handiwork. This is a passion for him and one that he has turned into what he hopes will be a business.

“It takes a community of people to make this work,” he said. “Without all the people here who helped get it all together, it wouldn’t happen.”

Across the street at the old pizza joint, families huddled beneath the gas heaters so that they could watch the show. “You’re drinking cold wine,” one passer-by shouted to a woman standing up. “I know,” she said. “Can’t be helped.”

“It’s a wonderful life,” said Mariette Hammond, who watched the lights with her grandson Jacob. “This is what Clayton is all about.”