Musical concerts, athletic tournaments, and a pound of sale fliers in every issue of the newspaper — something tells me Christmas is nearly here! No, I’m not ready, so please don’t ask. The holiday will arrive and will be enjoyed by all without anyone worrying if I crossed everything off my list.

Downtown Hughesville looks great, doesn’t it? The Water and Main Street intersection is alight with angels and a beautiful Christmas tree. The Woodlands Bank restoration project is complete, and businesses have gone all out to make customers welcome. It’s a great time to do your final shopping right here in town. Check out the new shops and drop in to see what’s new at your old favorite places.

We had a nice day on Saturday to go for our Christmas tree. We like to choose and cut a live tree from one of the local producers, and the weather was perfect. The snow was only a couple of inches deep, so it merely made the expedition more “Christmasy”. Facebook friends from across the country are jealous of the snow and of the beautiful trees we have available to us here in central Pennsylvania. I hope everyone is enjoying this season of preparation.

Caution and defensive driving are always important, but with so many distractions and the early onset of darkness this time of year, we all need to be especially alert.

We were nearly “T-boned” at the red light at Main and Water Streets when an inattentive driver was coasting through the intersection. His signal was definitely red long before we began to cross Main Street, so I can only guess that something else was drawing his focus. Fortunately, both cars were going slow and a collision was avoided. Let’s all work at making sure everyone’s holiday season is not marred with accidents.

Be sure to check with your favorite church’s schedule for Christmas Eve service times. Many beautiful worship events will take place next week so you will have many options for sharing the joy of Christmas with family and friends.

Hughesville Events:

Tuesday, Dec. 23 Last day of school for the calendar year. School resumes on Monday, January 5, 2015.

Dec. 24 Luminary lighting to honor veterans at the Veterans Memorial Park in Picture Rocks, living and deceased. Luminaries will be lit along the walkways located on corner of Main Street and Nunn Lane. Luminaries can be added for a small fee by contacting borough office at 584-5465. Proceeds maintain upgrades to the park.

The Picture Rocks Lions Club will begin selling its famous sauerkraut Christmas week at several local venues. Early reports are that is it SIMPLY FANTASTIC again this year! Be sure to get yours before it is all gone! For more info phone (570) 584-3509.