Every December, Middlebury glows — literally. The shops twinkle, the wreaths are hung just so, music floats through the air, and the town feels sprinkled with something a little bit magical. From the outside, it all looks effortless… like the town simply wakes up charming. But as we know: this is where the sausage gets made. And friends, it takes a shiretown…
This year, more than ever, we’ve felt the hundreds of tiny gears turning behind the scenes to bring Very Merry Middlebury to life. With one of our beloved board members — the long-time captain of the Hot Cocoa Hut — temporarily out due to personal circumstances, it became immediately clear just how much one person has quietly, lovingly held together for years. And what an education it has been.
The Hot Cocoa Hut: A Masterclass in Controlled Chaos!
Ah, the Cocoa Hut.
Cute. Charming. Instagrammable.
And… a logistical Rubik’s Cube.
Here’s a small peek at what goes into that one joyful little hut:
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Marshmallow mountains and whipped cream clouds (thank you, Hannafords!).
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That heavenly Cabot cream!
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Candy cane sourcing that begins earlier than you’d ever imagine!
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Cups donated (because even cheer needs vessels!).
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Cocoa donated — and lots of it.
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Coordination with the wonderful teams at Middlebury College Catering and so many across the College who quietly make their magic for us. Ben and Justin (“Mr. Irish”) at the Marquis Theatre, who open their doors, provide hot water on tap, and help with refilling, and cleaning — all with good humour and zero fuss.
When you watch a child sip a steaming cup with mittened hands, it all looks delightfully simple.
But making it happen?
Let’s just say… it takes a spreadsheet. And a village.
An actual village!
This Year’s Real Lesson: It Doesn’t Just Happen. We Make It Happen. Together.
With our lead cocoa-captain temporarily away, dozens of hands stepped in — from board members to volunteers to college partners — each taking a piece of a puzzle that one or two humans somehow handled for years. And we felt it — the weight, the work, and the wonder. And we also felt something else: deep appreciation for every person who has ever stirred a pot of cocoa, hauled a box of candy canes, plugged in lights, made a delivery, staffed a shift, filled a thermos, or dashed across town with whipped cream emergencies. Very Merry Middlebury looks magical because it is magical — made by real people who care deeply about this place we call home.
In the End… It’s All Worth It
The lights.
The cocoa.
The music.
The bustle.
The feeling that Middlebury is holding itself — and each of us — warmly through the winter. It’s cute on the outside. It’s complex on the inside. And it’s ours. Here’s to everyone who helps make the sausage… and the cocoa. And here’s to a Very Merry Middlebury — made with love every step of the way.
See you at our first Midd Stroll, December 4! 5-8pm
Kathryn and Kelly