02/11/2025
This year, our Christmas window tells the story of Strabane’s rebirth, inspired by the heartfelt wishes of its children. Each wish on our tree was written by a local schoolchild. Simple, hopeful words that remind us what truly matters. From dreams of snow and laughter to wishes for love, peace, and home, their innocence shows us that seeing the world through hopeful eyes is still the best way to live. May their words inspire us all to slow down, cherish the little joys, and look to the future of our town with positivity and pride.
“The Town That Wished for Christmas.”
In Strabane, where the Mourne flows wild,
And mist rolls down the Sperrin’s side,
There came a hush one wintry eve,
As if the town forgot to believe.
Market Street stood still and bare,
No scent of spice, no festive air.
The shops were dark, their shutters drawn,
As if the heart of town was gone.
And “Let the Dance Begin” stood tall,
But seemed to pause, and not recall.
Yet just when silence felt too deep,
A sound rose soft and began to sweep.
From tiny hands and hopeful eyes,
Came wishes whispered to the skies.
Too young to know what hope could cost,
Yet lit a light the town had lost.
They’d heard the tales their elders told
Of better days, then hearts grew cold.
But through their eyes, the town could see
Not what it was, but what could be.
They wrote their wishes bright and small,
For snow, for peace, for love for all.
For granny’s hugs, for mummy’s stew,
For stars to shine the whole night through.
Their words were pinned to ribbon thread,
And from a book, those wishes spread.
They climbed around the Christmas tree,
Like garlands twined in memory.
Atop it glowed a quiet star
Not loud, not grand, nor seen from far
But born of hope, and hearts so pure,
Its gentle light became the cure.
Now Market Street begins anew,
Old walls refreshed to welcome you.
Our shop reborn with open door,
Where warmth and wonder live once more.
So if you pass and see it shine,
This Christmas tree, this heartfelt sign
Strabane’s town heart beats once again,
With dreams of children, women, men.
And “let the dance begin” once more,
From shopfronts bright to river shore.
For children of Strabane, wherever you roam
The star still shines - it’s calling you home!
