Emmaus' Dec. 6 Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration will help to get you in the holiday mood. Activities abound 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The historic homes will host crafts for children. There will be storybook readings at the library and at Let's Play Books. The Emmaus Theatre will show the "Elf" movie. Caramella Grille & Creamery will host face painting. The New Constitution will present a concert on the Triangle. There will be horse and wagon rides from the Emmaus Triangle 5 to 8 p.m. and pictures with Santa 5 to 6 p.m. The Triangle tree will be lit 6 p.m. and Bethel Bible and Emmaus Moravian Brass Choir will perform 6:30 p.m.

At the Community Center for the Arts on the second floor of Borough Hall, the Emmaus Arts Commission is hosting a photography contest 6:15 to 9 p.m. You are invited to come out and vote for your favorite photo. There will also be music and light refreshments. For the detailed schedule, visit emmausmainstreet.com.

The Arts Commission invites photographers to submit photographs for its holiday photography contest before Dec. 3. The commission is looking for original winter photos taken within the last year. To enter submit an 8-by-10 matted photo with the entrance fee to EAC photography contest, c/o Emmaus Borough Hall, 28 S. Fourth St. Cash prizes will be awarded. For contest information, visit emmausarts.org/eac-photo-contest.

Plan to stop at the Emmaus Historical Society's museum, 563 Chestnut St., and see the holiday display. The museum will be open extended hours 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 during the Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration. Children are invited to make pine cone ornaments. The museum will be open noon to 4 p.m. other Saturdays in December. The museum has several gift items such as the Emmaus World War II Veterans Book and the Society's commemorative pewter ornament for sale.

The Friends of the Emmaus Public Library will hold its annual book sale and reception at the library 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5. In addition to holiday books, gently used books on all topics which are suitable for gifts will be offered. Refreshments will be served. Entertainment will be provided by the Emmaus High School Jazz Ensemble. Visit the library during Emmaus' Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration for holiday storytimes, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6.

Other programs at the library during December include Books and Barks, the read aloud to Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs program, 6:45 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18 in the library's community room. Suns story- time for toddlers to two years old with an adult will be held 10:30 a.m. Dec. 4 and Stars storytime for preschoolers 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2. Registration is required.

Block parties are held for two year olds 11:30 a.m. Dec. 4, for three, four and five year olds 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 and for school age children 10 a.m. Dec. 30. No registration is required for block parties.

Literary Lunch, Jr. is a program where fourth and fifth graders meet to read and discuss books. Attendees should bring their lunches and the library will provide dessert and a drink. It will be held noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 13. Registration is required.

Literary Lunch is a program for sixth, seventh and eighth graders to meet to read and discuss books. Attendees should bring their lunches, and the library will provide dessert and a drink. It will be held noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 20. Registration is required.

Teen Read is a program for ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th graders to meet to read and discuss books. Refreshments will be provided by the library. Teen Read is held 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4. Registration is required. To register for programs or for information, call 610-965-9284 or visit emmausspl.org.

The fun film showing for the whole family is 6 p.m. Dec. 11. Pajamas, pillows and sleeping bags are encouraged. Slippers are required.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health will be at the library for blood pressure screenings 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 29.

The movie matinee for adults will be held 1 p.m. Dec. 10. Call or visit the library to find out the selection.

The library will be closed Dec. 24 through 26 for the Christmas holiday. It will reopen Dec. 27. The library will close 6 p.m. Dec. 31. It will be closed Jan 1 and 2, 2015 for the New Year's holiday and reopen Jan. 3, 2015.

Plaudits to the Kelly Automotive Group and The Robert P. Kelly Family Foundation for its recent generous donation to the Emmaus Public Library. The monies will go specifically toward the library's planned children's wing addition, which will add 3,500 feet to the existing building. This is the second time the library has received a sizeable donation from Kelly.

During December be sure to view the shop windows downtown. Many of the stores have decorated their windows with the theme "Believe in the Magic of Christmas," for the Main Street Partners annual store decorating contest. The winners will be announced at the Dec. 6 tree lighting on the Triangle.

The Emmaus Chorale will present its Christmas Concert, "Making the Season Bright," 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at Faith Presbyterian Church, North Second and Cherokee streets. The chorale, under the direction of Susan Friend, will present a program which includes "Gloria," Jingle Bells, "Twas the Night before Christmas" along with a variety of other seasonal selections. Admission is free.

The Emmaus Farmers Market begins its winter market schedule 10 a.m. to noon every Sunday in December. The market is held in the National Penn Bank parking lot, 235 Main St. For information, visit wwwemmausmarket.com/

Emmaus Borough Council meets 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 15 at Borough Hall, 28 S. Fourth St. The offices will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2015 for the holidays.

The Emmaus Historical Society will hold its Christmas party 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. John's Lutheran Church Parish Hall, Fifth and Chestnut streets. Guests are welcome. If planning to attend, bring a covered dish or dessert to share and RSVP to 610-966-6591.

The society is still eliciting tax deductible donations to help with the renovations to the new museum planned at 218 Main St. Contributions may be made in any amount and may be made in memory or in honor of someone or an event. For information, visit www.emmaushistoric-pa.org/capital fund.html or call 610-966-6591.

Emmaus Senior Citizens meet 1 p.m. the first Friday of each month at St. Matthew's Church, Fourth and Ridge streets, unless otherwise specified. The December programs are Dec. 5: Cindy Thomas with a presentation on poinsettias; Dec. 12: a film and cookie day. The group's Christmas dinner is noon Dec. 19 at Emmaus Fire Co. #2. There will be no meeting Dec. 26. The group wishes Emmaus residents happy holidays.

Reminder: Don't forget to pick up your orders of fruit and pies Dec. 5 at JAS Wholesale for the Kiwanis Club's fruit sale. Plaudits to the club for hosting its annual John Heim Special Needs Christmas Party again this year. I had the opportunity to attend one of the parties many years ago and saw firsthand the joy in the faces of all the attendees.

Every year when I write this column and realize another year will soon be history, it makes me aware of how fast the time has gone and makes me grateful for all my blessings. I hope it was a good year for you and yours. Thank you to all our faithful readers. Best wishes for Happy Holidays

Please send information about January happenings to Corrine Durdock, 913 Little Lehigh Dr., or Durdock@aol.com before Dec. 17.