Little Silver's annual tree lighting was a return to normalcy for some, a reminder of how some things never change.

Mayor Robert C. Neff reminded the hundreds of residents packed in front of borough hall late Sunday afternoon, some spilling off the sidewalks and into Prospect Avenue, of how important it was this year to be thankful for the opportunity to be together -- as a town -- celebrating the holiday season.

And so the Point Road and Markham Place choruses sang and band members filled the air with "Jingle Bells" and when the lights were flipped on the tree at the center of it all and fire engines came roaring down the middle of town, everything seemed alright. Santa Claus had come to town.