By Ella Shi

WESTPORT — It was a big weekend at the Church of the Assumption, with a busy Christmas Boutique taking place over the weekend, followed by the traditional party celebrating the tree lighting and display of the Nativity on Sunday night.

As the holiday season approaches, a wave of good spirit was flowing through the air at the Catholic church on Riverside Avenue.

In particular, the annual Christmas Boutique was an inspiring chance for people associated with the congregation to give back to others in their community.

The boutique highlighted some of the unique church members, local artists, silent auctions, baked goods and more. The event, a 22-year-long tradition, took place on Dec. 4 and 5., with this year’s goal to raise money to rebuild the church’s aging pews.

Cathy Romano, director of faith formation, and Michele Harding, youth minister, organize the event each year.

The boutique featured various tables with diverse items aimed to serve as holiday gifts, with many donated items given as well to help raise funds.

“All these baskets for the silent auction were donated by the children of the religious ed program,” Romano said. “They bring in the gifts and we wrap them.”

Along with the auction, the Christmas Boutique offered handmade baked goods.

“Everybody bakes. The religious ed families bake, and the parish women bake, and it’s all donated,” Romano said.

Additionally, some members of the church advertise their unique products.

Margit Strohmaier, church member and author of “What to Know Before You Get Your Dog,” spreads an important message about giving pets as gifts that are perfect for the holiday season.

“I wrote this children’s book to bring awareness to all the children and parents who want to have a dog … because so many people buy dogs as a gift right before the holidays,” she said.

Her goal is to prevent dogs from being returned to shelters by emphasizing the responsibilities of dog ownership, while also giving back to her church.

While this is Strohmaier’s first year, many others have been participating in this event since the beginning.

Bill McNamara, the Grand Knight at the Church of Assumption Knights of Columbus Council, makes an appearance every year with his wares.

His table showcases stuffed animals, in which part of the proceeds goes to St. Judes, as well as religious Christmas cards.

“We love coming (here) because it gives us an opportunity to meet everyone in the Parish and just have a nice time,” he said, noting the charitable aspects of the event as well.

“We do all kinds of activities in order to try to help people during these tough times,” McNamara said.