Every year, our town has a Tree Lightning Ceremony on the first Friday in December and for me, that is the official kick-off to the Christmas season. This year, as Derrick was flying back from his business trip, Elliot, Amelia and I bundled up to go to the ceremony at City Hall. We always enjoy the singing and then the countdown to light up the tree:
We then went inside to Santa's Village to see jolly old St. Nicholas and for the children to hand them their wish lists. The set-up there is always beautiful and Santa and Mrs. Claus really took their time to talk to the children.
There was also a crafting station, hot cocoa and cookies and more singing. Their elementary school's Orffestra also performed.
Outside, the city asked local business to paint a house for the Candy Cane Village contest (aka fundraiser) and more than 20 local businesses participated in this fun event. So did my company... a week before the house was due, we painted our hearts out. I think it looked great:
And some of the competition's gingerbread houses:
Next evening was Yulefest at the Historic Mansker Station. We have gone there for 3 years now and love this evening where the fort comes alive with music, storytelling and demonstrations based on life in the 18th century. The bell ringers and the harp player are our favorites and so is the free carriage ride. This year, only Amelia and I went but we met some friends and it was a fun time.
It was a chilly night and when we came home, the children wanted to warm up by the fire. Best spot in the house to watch TV in December.
Instead of going to our local Christmas Parade on Saturday (Elliot had a basketball game), the girls went to see our neighboring town's 50th Annual Christmas Parade on Sunday afternoon.
And with that, we are only 3 Advent Sundays away from Christmas.
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