YESTERDAY the Drudge Report noted that the Montgomery County, Maryland, town of Kensington has asked Santa Claus to stay away from its annual tree-lighting ceremony on December 2. Two families said they would be uncomfortable if the jolly old fellow were present, so he was kept out of this year’s program. That doesn’t mean that Santa won’t be back, though.
Next Sunday’s program in Kensington, somewhat ironically called “Celebration of the American Spirit Through Lights and Music,” is a tribute to the heroic responders of September 11, including firefighters, military personnel, and postal workers. Red, white, and blue lights will grace the town tree, which Santa and the town mayor usually light after they cruise up in a fire truck. This year, Mayor Kitty Raufaste will perform the ritual alone.
