ROCHESTER, N.Y. — One Rochester neighborhood still found a way to carry on a 100-year Christmas Eve tradition.

Some traditions are everlasting.

“This has always been a neighborhood, so there’s always been a strong sense of neighborhood,” neighbor Jim Olinger said.

Be it even through snow, rain or a pandemic.

“The event means so much to both past families, present families and future families,” organizer Jeff Mills said.

Christmas Eve at Washington Grove in Cobbs Hill has happened for a long time, since before Jim and Mary Olinger moved in 54 years ago.

“It’s a feeling that’s almost unreal in today’s society, and it’s been wonderful to see our newer neighbors, the younger people, willing to pick up that tradition,” Mrs. Olinger said.

Typically Santa Claus emerges from the woods, and the neighbors get together to sing Christmas carols.

“It’s a really great tradition, and really shows we’re a neighborhood,” Enzo Vinci, who lives in the neighborhood, said.

Santa was still here this year, but the carols went virtual — along with neighbors reminiscing of Christmas Eves past.

Mark Vinci and his family live on the corner, and always have a front row seat — even this year.

“We love this particular tradition because it brings all the families together, even the families that have moved away come back just for this holiday.” Mark Vinci said.

The video commemorates a big year for Christmas Eve at Washington Grove: the 100th, says Mills.

“I’m only 58, so to imagine this had already been going 42 years when I was born is amazing,” Mills said.

It’s maybe not the celebration everyone wanted, but the essentials were there.

“The star is there, we lit the trees, the wreaths are up…” Mr. Olinger said.

And without a doubt, there’s always next year.

“Having our star and having our tree is some consistency in our life. Something that says COVID, you can’t beat us, we’ll keep going. And next year we’ll be back again,” Mrs. Olinger said.