As we celebrate Christmas and gather with family and friends, we all can find many things for which we will always be thankful. For some the past year has been full of newness and joy, while others may have had difficult times and heart-wrenching changes to their lives. All of us, however, can rejoice in the opportunity to share with others as we remember 2015 and look forward to the challenges, delights, and surprises that will surely come with the new year.

This week you can enjoy your Christmas Eve with church services at most of the churches in the area. Many congregations will have candlelight services or special cantata performances. It may be a wet Christmas Eve, but it shouldn’t be any kind of weather that will make it hard to get the family to one (or more) of these inspiring services.

As the year closes, I think Hughesville looks great! I have seen a steady improvement over the last few years in the appearance of the streets and properties all over town. There are a few places that are in need of TLC or that need new businesses to bring them to life. The former Uni-Mart seems to be a prime location and I hope that someone will find it a great opportunity. There are a few storefront properties that could be developed, and I’m sure that the recent “5 to Drive” promotion showed that people really do like to shop locally and will patronize businesses which provide them with choices and fulfill their needs. I hope that 2016 will see even more reasons to visit our Hughesville businesses.

Thank you to all of our readers for bringing us into your home! I hope that this column has brought a smile to your face, introduced you to a new idea or event, and given you a few moments of enjoyment. I wish you a pleasant holiday celebration, whether you observe Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or a less religious celebration of family and accomplishment, and truly ;hope that everyone will have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Hughesville events:

Thurs. Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. Carol Sing followed by the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 121 South Main Street, Hughesville.

Thurs. Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Hughesville Methodist charge will hold this year’s Christmas Eve service at Christ United Methodist Church, 148 South Main Street, Hughesville.

Sun. Dec. 27, The Hughesville United Methodist charge choir and the Heavenly Notes bell choir will present the cantata “Comfort and Joy” during the regular service at 9:30 a.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 111 So. 2nd St. Hughesville.