Christmas

Our lovely village Christmas celebrations have been a tradition for many years, started back in the 1940’s. The Parish of Ripe and Chalvington together with Laughton initially got together to raise a Christmas tree in the centre of Ripe and provide a small gift, from Father Christmas, for the children of the Parishes after the Second World War. This tradition has continued, fundraising throughout the year makes this possible and its especially magical for all the children living in the parish. Elves flurry and organise a different event every year, part of which is to provide a small gift for each child from the Parishes of Ripe and Chalvington who are in the school year of Year 6 and under, families with visiting children at Christmas are not left out as Santas Elves are happy for those families to arrange to provide their own gift and Father Christmas will give it to them.

On Christmas Eve a service is held at St John the Baptist Church

- There are children who are less fortunate than children of our own Parish - they are not forgotten either. The Church at Ripe holds a gift service before Father Christmas arrives where gifts are given from the families for children in less fortunate circumstances.

After the service everyone follows lanterns to the Christmas tree in the centre of the village, punch, mince pies, Christmas spirit and mulled wine are shared to keep everyone warm, Christmas Carols play and we have a visit from Father Christmas himself! he joins our celebrations and distributes gifts to the children before heading off on his travels across the night Skys.........Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas everyone!