It's all about community, love and family coming together.

Preparations have begun for the annual performances of the Strasburg Community Christmas Pageant Choir, a 67-year tradition that brings some holiday spirit to the Strasburg community and surrounding areas.

"I've heard a lot of different community members say that, myself included, the pageant is kind of like the kickoff for the Christmas season for them," said director Amanda Zahm Monywiir. "It's the first time that they really get a chance to stop, slow down and really feel immersed in the music and the story of Christmas."

Everyone is welcome to participate in the choir. No formal training or experience is required, said choir director Janet Rawleigh. Five choir rehearsals will be held, taking place on Sunday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 22, from 3 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Those interested in joining should contact Zahm Monywiir at ajzahm91@gmail.com or 717-983-8556 prior to the first rehearsal.

"This is the second year she's doing this for us," Zahm Monywiir said of Rawleigh. "It's really been a blessing, because I can't imagine anybody else more qualified to do this, but it's also because she loves the Strasburg community so much. The choir singers are so comfortable with her and really feel that they're able to perform and continue to enjoy their tradition."

Rehearsals, as well as performances, are held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 40 W. Main St., Strasburg. According to the church, the tradition started in 1955, when Dorothy Mayhew had only $60 from the church budget to start the Christmas pageant.

The first performance was done with an old upright piano box from a local piano store, a few angel outfits and makeshift costumes for the men. Mayhew, the church's choir director, turned that first performance into a tradition.

This year's performances will be held on Friday, Dec. 11, through Sunday, Dec 13. Friday and Saturday's performances will be held at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday's matinee will commence at 4:30 p.m. Performances are free admission with freewill offerings accepted. Refreshments and fellowship will follow each performance.

"Performances themselves begin with the choir, and they perform their anthems to kind of greet everybody in," Zahm Monywiir explained. "It's kind of like a different version of a live Nativity because the actors are all on stage, it's almost like tableau style. ... There's a narrator, and the choir accompanies the show. The actors perform according to the choir's accompaniment and the narration, so it's really kind of a unique performance."

Money raised through the performances will benefit those in the local community who are in need.

Community service hours are available for high school students, as nonperforming volunteers are needed to help set up and tear down the church's sanctuary on the day of performances; ushers are also needed. Elementary-age children are also needed to be little angels and village kids in the performances.

"If they want to get involved, we do keep a running list every year," Zahm Monywiir explained. "So if they're interested this year but not able to participate, we put them on a list for the following year."

Jonathan Jones is the organist for the performance. Anyone with questions regarding the performances can be directed to the church office by calling 717-697-6392.

Zahm Monywiir said that there are multiple generations of families that perform in the pageant every year, including her father and nephews and nieces.

"I've been in it since I was a village kid to now being co-director," said Lauren Kovach. "It's such an awesome, amazing tradition. An experience that you need to go and (get) yourself."

"It really takes a lot of people and a lot of community communication," Rawleigh said. "Our church hosts it, but it is a community event."