Capturing the Feeling of the Season, And Santa Is Very Busy

By Liz Page

STAMFORD – The Christmas music was on at Wayne Bank on Monday as we discussed the decorations that have been hung with care, while across the street, Hannah Bradfield was busy draping garland and attaching red bows at TP´s Cafe. The village crew has worked its magic putting up the winter snowflakes, wreaths and garland, thanks to the Stamford Village Improvement Association.

Everywhere, it seems, people were taking advantage of the warm, dry weather to put up Christmas decorations ahead of this week's cold and snow.

Eddie Voorhees, near Prattsville, looks like he is getting ready to enter the Christmas Lights Fight, he has so many items in his front yard. If you need to get in the spirit, do a drive to Prattsville.

Jefferson is ready to light up the green and Bloomville has gathered a park full of beautifully decorated trees that will be lighted on Dec. 6. Dottie Pickett and Linda Wyckoff put the finishing touches on the town of Gilboa tree on display with many others for the annual Festival of Trees that will be up throughout the month of December at the New York Power Authority Visitors Center. Roxbury will have a parade, presents and a visit with Santa on Dec. 13..

Everywhere, people have been busy or are busy decking the halls for the next 24 days, and fewer by the time you read this article.

The Small Business Alliance in Stamford is hosting a Holiday Market this Saturday, from noon until 4 p.m. at various businesses throughout the village, at 5 p.m. Santa arrives at Veterans Park to light the tree and everyone is invited back to the Stamford Fire House for hot chocolate and cookies furnished by TP´s Cafe and to visit with Santa. The Grinch is also destined to show up and attendees are asked to bring some non-perishable food items to the park for the food pantry. Each child will get a ticket for bringing an item and a chance to flip the switch to light the tree.

The Christmas Magic arrives in Bloomville this Saturday at 6 p.m. when the lights will go on on those trees in the park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6 p.m.. There will be a hot cocoa bar, holiday treats and s'mores. Kids can bring their letters for Santa's mailbox. They also welcome a holiday treat to share if you are able to bring one.

Margaretville has already kicked things off with a parade there last Saturday.

Santa will be busy traveling here and there. He is inviting the community to have breakfast with him in Jefferson this Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8-11 a.m.. Santa's helpers will be making pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, orange juice and the North Pole's special hot cocoa. All children can sit with Santa and get a gift. Cost is by donation. Later on, at 6 p.m., Santa will be on the green. Escorted by the Jefferson Fire Department, there will be light refreshments, hot cocoa and face painting.

On Sunday, you can have Sundaes with Santa at the Gilboa Town Hall, starting at 2 p.m.. You can meet with Santa. There will be crafts, photo opportunities and fun for the whole family. Bring an item for the animal shelter and receive a ticket for a prize.

If you want to get away from the hubbub and enjoy a performance, there is a Friends of Music concert , featuring Pegasus performing its Folk Inspirations program at 3 p.m this Sunday, Dec. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church on Main St..

The Holiday for the Heart Tree Celebration is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Delaware County Historical Association, 46549 state Route 10 in Delhi. This is an opportunity to enjoy some holiday shopping, live music, light fare, a bake sale and join the raffle of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees. This will benefit the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society.

In Windham this Saturday, Dec. 6 there will be the Parade of Lights, followed by Santa’s arrival and the town Tree Lighting at the Centre Church. Festivities run from 5-7 p.m. , with the parade stepping off at 5 p.m.. Santa will help light the tree then move inside for crafts, small gifts and balloon twisting. The WAJ chorus will be singing carols. There will be free treats, a Toys for Tots drive and more. The event is sponsored by the Windham Chamber of Commerce to kick off the holiday season with community cheer.

And next weekend is also busy:

• The Conesville Historical Society invites you to their Annual Silent Auction which takes place at 5 p.m. at the Conesville Firehouse. You can enjoy delicious, sweet treats by Curly Girl while you bid on numerous items including gift certificates to local farms, restaurants, and businesses. Included are beautiful, themed baskets and gifts donated by generous donors. You can check out the Conesville Historical Society Facebook page for more information on this exciting event. We do hope you join in the fun!

• Parade, Santa and Good Cheer in Roxbury – a Roxbury Fire Department will host a community event 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm! The parade will kick off at 4 pm, then the RFD will host a community Xmas party, including light refreshments, gifts for the children and opportunities for photo visits with Santa! This year, the Christmas village will be set up outside under the Pavilion behind the Fire Hall. All are welcome!

• Christmas in Schoharie, at the Old Stone Fort, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 145 Fort Road, Schoharie. Crafts for the kids and other activities as part of the Christmas in Schoharie event.

• Holly Jolly Party at the New York Power Authority Visitors Center. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Horse and carriage rides, kid crafts, free cookies and holiday ornament while supplies last. Free admission and parking.

•Christkindl Market, an indoor/outdoor Old Work Style Bavarian Christmas Market, 3-6 p.m. at 55 Lake Delaware Drive, Delhi.

• Bottle & Shopping Bag Auction!, plus a raffle, 2 p.m. at the Gilboa Museum, 122 Stryker Road, Gilboa. Join the fun with auctioneer extraordinaire Alicia Terry then stick around for the gift basket raffle drawing. Refreshments will be served. Proceeds will benefit the museum.

•Conesville Historical Society Silent Auction, 5-7 p.m. at the Conesville Fire house. Join us for a holiday gathering and bid on some items for gifts. Desserts prepared by SweatCreation by the Curly Girl, door prizes. 