Holidays, in their most spiritual moments, commemorate the wonder of ancient miracles. On Sunday, Dec. 13, on the open grounds of the Astoria Federal Savings Bank in Syosset, faithful Christians who gazed up at a light-speckled, 30-foot pine, and an illuminated manger may have pondered the birth of a king. Jews, looking in wonderment at an oversized menorah flanking the tree, may have marveled at how a simple source of light lasted eight days when it should have dwindled after one.

And then there are the modern-day, smaller miracles - like how a Syosset Chamber of Commerce, still surviving the trials of its infancy, succeeded in orchestrating a festive first annual holiday lighting ceremony, after possessing only a month to plan. That's not to mention persuading upwards of 75 downtown merchants to do their part in transforming a normally blandblock into a winter wonderland.

"Our first meeting was November 5. I'm just overwhelmed at how far we've come. This is terrific," said local Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs, who spearheaded the movement to revive the chamber after a prolonged absence, recruiting a conglomeration of merchants which has tripled in three meetings. About an hour after the ceremony's 4 p.m. start, Jacobs had the honor of lighting the giant electric menorah's center candle and the light representing the first night. The orange glow of the candles stood out against the dusk sky.

Then, the estimated 300 to 350 shopkeepers, residents and visitors in attendance turned their collective attention to the tree, which was donated by Jack Biondo, of Plaza Realty. Biondo flipped the switch that set aglow the multicolored bulbs.

Participating in the lighting ceremony were local State Assemblyman David Sidikman, Town Supervisor John Venditto and Town Councilman Leonard Symons, who each offered holiday wishes to the public and praised the chamber for its quick organizational ability.

Presiding over the event was Frank Urso, owner of LI Village Realty, and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce's holiday committee.

"The Syosset Chamber of Commerce has been revitalized, as everyone can see. It was done with a vision, a need and with one individual's inspiration [Judy Jacobs]," said Urso, speaking from a podium on the Nassau County Showmobile platform.

The event was, in a sense, a one-size-fits-all Christmas present to the entire community from the local merchants. Urso asked that in return, residents patronize the participating businesses. "Our goal was to bring holiday spirit to Syosset. I hope you're pleased. Our merchants are giving back what you graciously give us during the year," said Urso.

The Showmobile upon which Urso stood hosted entertainment to amuse the bundled-up crowd. Performers ages 10 to 20 from the local Martha Meredith School of Dance, clad in glittery Santa suits, kicked their feet to the musical numbers In the Mood and One, from A Chorus Line. The Syosset High School wind ensemble and jazz choir offered a selection of holiday music, as did the pianist-vocalist act, the Johnny Monti Duo. Under the shelter of the bank's extended roof huddled the four-member Banjo Rascals, plucking away seasonal standards.

Actually, in striving to supply enough entertainment, the holiday committee may have been successful to a fault. As the night grew colder and longer, some visitors turned restless, anxious to hasten the showiness and get to the main event.

But any flaws that did rear their heads were disregarded and forgiven, especially considering the shortage of planning time, which gave new meaning to the phrase "holiday rush."

"I think it went very well, considering the time we had," said committee member Richard McLean. "It was a great day for Syosset and I'm just happy to be a part of it."

Although the fresh blood provided by some of the newer Syosset merchants certainly helped rejuvenate the chamber, just as integral were the long-time shopkeepers who were eager to re-establish the nostalgic charm once associated with their neighborhood. Those who recall said that it had been 22 years since there was a concentrated effort to dress up downtown Syosset for the holidays.

I'm just so pleased that the community is going back to what I remember years ago," said Anne Powers, committee member. "Years ago this town was a lovely, thriving [place] all along the avenue, and it's gone. I'm hoping that people come back."

"The residents...said it was long overdue, and it was," said committee member Sophia Drakoulias, who praised her fellow merchants for digging deep into their pockets. "I think the best was all the merchants coming up with the money we did. The enthusiasm of all the merchants was phenomenal," she said.

Urso agreed. "The merchants and their contributions were fabulous, more than ever expected. The town was lit up like it never was before." The committee chairman also thanked the town for the manpower it supplied.

Shortly after the applause subsided from the tree's illumination, Urso announced, "I hear bells ringing! Our holiday surprise is coming!" With that came a cherry-red suited Santa, escorted down Cold Spring Road not by his reindeer, but a siren-blaring Syosset firetruck. The native North Poler disembarked from the rig to greet the small children who wasted no time in surrounding him.

The least joyous part of this whole experience will take place January 6, when the decorations are removed. But Syosset residents may not need to wait for the following winter to see their neighborhood beautified once more.

The entire chamber is working on ways to improve the look of the community year-round, and the holiday committee is considering decorating for additional holidays, making Syosset, as one chamber member phrased it, "a place for all seasons."