The wintry wet mix predicted by forecasters failed to materialize Thursday night. But the cold was definitely there as the Chesapeake community gathered in Triangle Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting.

Parents stood with toboggan scarves wrapped mummy-like around their faces and friends shared heavy gloves with each other.

This season’s event had a change of pace as the newly formed Drama Club of the Chesapeake Middle School performed three Christmas-inspired skits. They were “Scrooge and Marley,” — Marley being Bob with Jamaica as part of the backdrop — “J. Marshall Heatmiser,” about a law firm suing Santa Claus on behalf of his reindeer, and “Are You Coming,” a skit written by Chesapeake Middle’s drama teacher and club sponsor, Jennifer McKinney.

Seventh grader Jessica Lowe played a shopper in that playlet that she said expressed the sentiments of the season.

“It’s to show the true meaning of Christmas,” she said.

Chesapeake school choirs also performed holiday favorites under the direction of the schools’ music teacher, Ashli Spinks.