November 30th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

A chilly night in downtown Cumberland Friday as the community gathered to light the annual Christmas tree at the corner of Liberty and Baltimore Street. City Councilman, Eugene Frazier read aloud his holiday poem entitled a Christmas Wonder…

   
"It was cold that night I went to bed, bundle up warm my mother had said. I tried my best to fall fast asleep into the house Santa would creep. The hours went by still awake, I closed my eyes, sleep I would fake. Suddenly a noise came from my roof. Was it a sound of the reindeer's hoof? I snuck downstairs to see if it was Santa standing by the tree. I couldn't believe the site I saw my jaw dropped as I stared on. There stood Santa all dressed up in red, trimmed in white like the hair on his head. As he placed presents around the floor. I saw something I couldn't ignore. The gleam in his eye and the smile on his face showed his love for the whole human race. I ran into the room shouting his name. The chimney he went were once he had come. I wonder was it for real, was it Santa Claus that made me squeal? Was it a dream and I slept all night, Santa imaginary site? There wasn't much proof he left behind. A half-eaten cookies my find. I never know what the truth might be, was it Santa Claus that I did see. Years have passed it's hard to remember what took place that night in December. I swear my friends I tell you no lie, I believe it was him until I die. Hope my story brings joy to your heart. There's one thing to say before we part… to everyone whether far or near Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s."

Cumberland Mayor, Ray Morriss led the crowd in a countdown for the tree lighting…

   
"THREE, TWO, ONE, ALRIGHT!!! Look at that tree isn't it beautiful. I think it fits really nice – once again I think, the city thinks the Timbrook family for donating the tree."