Decorations, carols, gift items abound in the malls, shops and on television. Much too soon for my taste. To me, Christmas season begins with Santa Claus riding on his sleigh at the end of the Thanksgiving Day parade. It has been this way for more than 50 years. I hope it will be so for 50 more.

The weather seems to have calmed down a bit. One weather person announced on television it will be a "moody" winter. No explanation as to what she meant by that description.

A special way to get in the Christmas spirit is to visit Alburtis Sunday, Dec. 2. Starting with breakfast 8:30 a.m., Santa will have his picture taken with your pet, the Fitness Academy will put on a show, there is a cookie baking contest at the Historical Society, surry rides around town, carol singing 5 p.m. and lighting of the Christmas tree at the fire company 6 p.m. For information and schedule times, call the borough office at 610-966-4777.

In Ancient Oak development the Halloween house decorating contest was canceled because of Hurricane Sandy.

The Ancient Oak Women's Organization meets 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at St. Paul's Church, Trexlertown Road, Trexlertown. The ladies will have a cookie exchange and re-wrapped gift activities. There will be a holiday collection for needy families.

Ancient Oak residents should look for posted signs in the development for news about the Christmas home decorating contest.

A happy holiday to all Ancient Oak residents from the Ancient Oak Women's Organization.

The Lower Macungie Senior Citizens Club meets noon Dec. 4 and 18 at the Lower Macungie Township Community Center, 3400 Brookside Road, Macungie. Games are played after the business meeting. There is also entertainment after the Dec. 18 meeting.

Check the Lower Macungie Library schedule for activities in December. Call 610-966-6864 or visit their website at www.lowermaclib.org.

Dates to remember: Dec. 2, First Sunday of Advent; Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor; Dec. 9, Hanukkah; Dec. 21 winter begins.

News must be received by Dec. 19 for publication Dec. 26.