There will be many opportunities to make some good Christmas memories this year with all of the different events going on in Montgomery in December. When I was little, one of my favorite Montgomery traditions was going to see Santa Claus at his little house next to the post office. I can still remember shivering with both cold and excitement as I stood in a long line with my brother and cousins for my turn to tell Santa Claus what toys I wanted, and leaving with a popcorn ball wrapped in red and green paper. I was happy that Santa always brought the best treats to his house in Montgomery, because whenever he made one of many numerous appearances at the mall, Hills Department Store, Candy Cane Lane, or my dad’s company Christmas party, the best giveaway I could hope for was a mini candy cane. But popcorn balls were the best, and those were reserved for Montgomery kids. To this day I can still remember the sweet crunch of those popcorn balls, and they always take me back to those cold December afternoons when life was much simpler.

I always thanked Santa Claus for giving me a popcorn ball, and now I would like to extend a long overdue but very sincere thank you to Santa’s helpers who made those memories possible.

THOT “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quite home!” Charles Dickens

Happy birthday wishes go to Christen Harman who will be celebrating on November 30th. Enjoy your day, Christen!

If you would like to be part of the Montgomery Christmas Parade, please register with George Nash at 547-1260. There is no charge to register.

Please consider making a donation to the Montgomery Christmas Committee in the form of a new, unwrapped toy or a monetary donation towards the Christmas dinner boxes. Toys can be donated in any Toys for Tots box in Montgomery or Clinton Township, and monetary donations are accepted at the Montgomery Borough Office. Checks can be made out to the Montgomery Christmas Committee.

Montgomery events:

Sun. Dec. 3 There will be an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast at the Oak Grove Community Center from 8-11 a.m.

Weds. Dec 6 Toddler Tales at the Montgomery Area Public Library from 11-noon for ages 1-5. The theme will be “Penguin Problems” and children will enjoy a story, snack, and craft. Please plan to accompany your child and pre-register at 547-6212.

Thurs. Dec. 7 & Fri. Dec 8 The play “12 Angry Jurors” will be presented by Virtuoso in the high school auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door on show nights.

Sat. Dec. 9 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will have the Adam Room open from 10-1.

Sat. Dec. 9 Santa Claus is coming to town in the first official Montgomery Christmas Parade since 1985. The varsity football team will be the Grand Marshals, and the parade will end with Santa Claus arriving on a fire truck. The parade begins at Weis at 1 p.m. After Santa Claus rides by, parade watchers are welcome to follow Santa down to his house next to the post office. The Summer Alive program will feature free crafts and games for children. The Montgomery Lions Club will be serving free hotdogs, cocoa, and cookies at Santa’s house. All events are free, and the Lions Club is requesting that everyone please bring a canned good or a new, unwrapped toy to be donated in town. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held on Dec.16.