On the afternoon of December 9, 2025, New Castle County, Delaware welcomed its annual event – the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of the Louis L. Redding City-County Building. Monique Williams-Johns, the chairwoman of the County Council, presided over the ceremony. She not only praised the hope brought by the holiday tradition but also made an appeal to the community for safety and mutual assistance.
In her speech, Williams-Johns stated that continuing the tradition of “lighting the Christmas tree” held significant meaning for the community. “This Christmas tree standing before us is not just a collection of lights and branches,” she said, “It symbolizes deeper hopes, unity, and the resilience of our community spirit.”
She thanked all the attendees and pointed out that each illuminated light symbolized the power of unity: “Every light reminds us that even in the darkest moments, as long as we stand united, we can find strength. Each decoration reflects the unique stories and families that make up our town and county. And this Christmas tree reminds us that when we stand together, we can radiate a brighter light than any individual could alone.”
While looking ahead to a brighter future, Williams-Johns did not forget to remain vigilant about community safety. She especially thanked the Delaware State Police for all they do to protect community safety, emphasizing, “We must remember to always be grateful to them, treat them well, because they are protecting us every day, and that is so important.”
She then mentioned a security incident that occurred last Wednesday, December 3, at Glasgow High School in Newark, Delaware, where school security personnel found a loaded gun in a student’s backpack, leading to the subsequent arrest of three students involved. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any shootings or injuries.
Using this incident as a backdrop, Williams-Johns called on community members to show care and support for each other during the holiday season: “Christmas is a time to slow down. Let us all be kind, show care for others, offer encouragement, and commit to loving one another.”
In conclusion, she summarized, “We should all embrace what we share: community, kindness, and hope for 2026.”