Sunset Stories

For Susan Elwood, some of her happiest memories of growing up in Carmel-by-the-Sea are tied to Christmas Capers, a beloved holiday program presented through the Carmel Youth Center.

As a high school student, Susan looked forward to participating in the annual celebration, which brought young performers, families and the community together for an evening of holiday entertainment.

The students made their own costumes, practiced their dances and sang Christmas songs, creating a festive performance that became a treasured tradition.

But what Susan remembers most is the feeling of community.

Families filled the audience, joining in the singing and sharing in the excitement of the season. The performances were about more than being onstage. They were about friendship, creativity and celebrating the holidays together.

For Susan and her friends, Christmas Capers was one of the highlights of growing up in Carmel.

"It was truly a wonderful time to be a young person in Carmel!" she recalls.

Today, Susan continues to appreciate Sunset Center as a place where the community can gather for entertainment, artistic expression and enrichment.

She describes it as a gem, offering beautiful performances and experiences right in the heart of their hometown.

As Sunset celebrates its centennial, Susan hopes the community will continue supporting the center and that its programs and celebrations will grow, enriching the lives of residents and visitors for generations to come.

Her memories remind us that Sunset's history is filled not only with celebrated performers and major productions, but also with local students, handmade costumes, familiar holiday songs and families coming together to share something special.

For Susan, that spirit of community is what made Christmas Capers unforgettable and what continues to make Sunset Center such a treasured part of Carmel.