My holiday preparations are, as usual, nowhere nearly as advanced as I would like-or as complete as many of my neighbors’ seem to be! I keep telling myself it’s because I’m adhering to the theme of Advent as a time of reflection, waiting, and preparation, not for celebrating Christmas as a month-long holiday, then dropping it all on Dec. 26. Mostly, of course, it’s because my time-management skills are sorely lacking. I hope all our readers are having better luck getting things done so they can relax and enjoy themselves.

There’s some significant chance of wet weather happening this week, although the forecasts seem to be variable, so by the time you read this there may or may not be much to worry about. I hope that there aren’t any weather events that cause trouble for all of those who have special gatherings planned over the next couple of weeks. It is always a good idea to check the forecast and plan accordingly.

Winter sports have begun for our local high school athletes. Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have begun their competitive seasons, and several of the wrestling team members made a great showing at the annual Williamsport Top Hat tournament last weekend. We’ll be seeing many great accounts of these students, I’m sure.

Don’t forget that many great books are to be found in the Friends’ Book Sale room at the Hughesville Area Public Library. If you need a gift for anyone on your list, you are likely to find something that will “fit the bill,” so check it out on your next visit to HAPL.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, Dec. 12 and 19-“Wee Make Music” program at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 South Fifth Street, for children ages 12 months and up and their caregivers, 10:30 a.m. Children will have a great time, marching, singing, dancing, and drumming. Registration is appreciated.

Thursday, Dec. 12-HHS Varsity and JV Girls Basketball teams play at Home vs. Line Mountain, 6 and 7:30 p.m. in the HHS gym. They will have five away games in the next couple of weeks, then play at home again in January.

Friday, Dec. 13-“Wee Build Block Party” program at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. for kids ages 3 and up. This is a self-directed activity featuring the library’s building materials and the children’s creativity.

Dec. 14-25 and Dec. 21-22-East Lycoming Historical Society (ELHS) museum, 66 South Main Street, Hughesville, is open from 12 noon to 3 p.m. (regular weekend hours). The museum will be closed after Dec. 22 until re-opening for the 2020 season in April. The museum gift shop has some great gifts available, including local art and handcrafted items.

Monday, Dec. 16-“Wee Tales” program for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Listen to stories, learn nursery rhymes, share books, and play with selected toys. Registration, by visiting or calling (570) 584-3762, is appreciated.

Tuesday, Dec 17-“Wee Move” program at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. This program is geared for very busy children ages 1 to 5 years old and their siblings. It is designed to get kids moving! There are mats, a soft balance beam, basketball hoops, a teeter-totter, and more.

Tuesday, Dec. 17-HHS Varsity and JV Boys Basketball teams play at home vs. Bloomsburg, 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Thurday, Dec. 19-HHS wrestling teams compete at home vs. South Williamsport, Jr. High 6 p.m., Varsity 7 p.m. in the HHS Gym.

Friday, Dec 20-“Wee Explore Holidays” program at HAPL for youngsters and the young-at-heart, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.