It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Northampton - and rightfully so!

As a wonderful Thanksgiving is just behind us, the youthful part of me is sure the Christmas season is upon us. With the public works department doing such a fine job installing the Christmas decorations on the streetlights throughout town to our upcoming Christmas tree lighting and to all of the bright, colorful home decorations I see on every street, the joy of the season is inescapable.

To add to the seasonal spirit, our Christmas tree lighting has been rescheduled to Dec. 4, starting 5:30 p.m., and what a lighting it will be!

We’ll have Christmas carols sung by the children at Good Shepherd Catholic School, dancing by Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy and hot chocolate served by Pastor Stephen Pense’s New Journey Community Church on Newport Avenue. Now, if that wasn’t enough, I understand we’ll have a visit from our favorite yuletide couple, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their elf, along with a treat for every child.

Of course, this event would not be possible without the centerpiece of the evening, our majestic Christmas tree. For that, I want to thank Brian Welsko and his family for donating this year’s beautiful tree. I look forward to watching his young daughter push the “on” button to light the tree, adding to the joy it brings so many.

Another local tradition we’ve come to enjoy is the Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce’s holiday movie night at the Roxy Theatre. This year’s movie, “A White Christmas,” will be shown Dec. 6 and 7. Doors will open 7 p.m., with the show starting 7:30 p.m. There is also a matinee showing Dec. 7, with the doors opening 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. show. All seating is first come, first served. The Chamber also asks that you bring at least one can of a nonperishable item for Northampton Area Food Bank. Through the years, this event has been an overwhelming success, as this has provided upward of 20 boxes of donated food for the food bank each and every year.

As always, this town has shown its love for the Christmas season and the “reason for the season” through your selflessness and kindness. I know that will continue with this holiday season, too. We all know our world needs it now more than ever.

I want to add my profound thanks and appreciation, not only as your mayor, but as your neighbor, too, for all the Christmas spirit you bring through your colorful, eye-catching outdoor decorations and your generosity to the less fortunate among us. You make it a true pleasure to proudly live in Northampton.

On behalf of our entire borough of Northampton staff and your borough council, I wish everyone a very joyous, healthy and merry Christmas! May all of your Christmas dreams come true - and then some. Peace!