December is here and so is the cold weather. If you have to go out, wrap up and stay warm. Christmas is getting very close. Only three more Saturdays left, so hope your shopping is done or almost done. But please remember the reason for the season: the birth of Christ.

Thought for today: want fresh strength for each new day? Want to run and not be weary? The key is to trust in the Lord. (See Isa 40:31 NLT) (Joseph Prince)

Birthdays: Happy birthday to Jill McCombs, Holly Otwell, Clancie Ford, Ashleigh Garrard, John Abbott, Angela Scott, Krista Crosson, Deena Thomas, Brenda Fields, Coleman Jones, Abby Davis, Deborah Grant, Richard Brummett, Erin Clinkscales, Aimee Perry, Will Morgan, Lawson Seay, Kira Warren, Jody Evans, Hope Thweatt, Joel Casey, A.L. Courtney, Jenny Gillison, Randy Morgan, Kensley Gilbreath and Dana Moore.

Births: We have to brag a little. Our grand and great-granddaughter, Willa Leigh Byrd, was born Tuesday, Nov. 26, weighing 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 19 inches long. She is beautiful, just like her big sister, Hadley. Mother and Daddy are Kayla and Beaux Byrd of Montevallo. We got to keep 23-month-old, Hadley, while mom and dad were busy bringing Willa into the world. Parents and Willa left the hospital on Thanksgiving Day and came to our home in Pell City to stay for a few days. We had so much fun with them and Hadley was so excited.

We also had Michael come home for the Thanksgiving holidays from Samford University. We had a houseful and enjoyed it so much. Family is so special.

Pictures with Santa: Another chance for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on Dec. 7, at the Pell City Chick-fil-A from 8:30-10:30 a.m. You can buy the $10 package which includes 4-piece Chick-n-Minis, kids drink, a craft and a polaroid picture. Families are welcome to come and take their own picture if they choose not to purchase the Breakfast with Santa Package for $10+tax.

And another chance to take a picture with Santa. Get ready to make magical holiday memories with your family, kids or even your furry friends. Just go to McSweeney CDJR on Dec.14, for a special opportunity to take a free photo with Santa from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Bring your holiday spirit and enjoy festive cheer, free treats and a fun experience for the whole family. Santa welcomes everyone — kids, families and pets too. RSVP to let them know you’re coming and share this event with your friends.

Christmas in Pell City: Lights in the Park is now through Dec.31. This Christmas Season, grab some hot chocolate and take your family on a drive through Lakeside Park in Pell City to see more than 80 holiday displays and thousands of Christmas lights. The free event is getting a new feature this year as community displays will be judged on their creativity and quality, and special recognition will go to the winners.

Head to the Pell City Library’s Whobilation Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5-7 p.m. It is a free community event and sure to be a magical experience. The Whobilation Celebration is even better this year with the addition of our giant snow globe. Children will experience six stations which include the hot chocolate station, Christmas craft station, snow globe station, and Christmas cookie station. They will also have photo opportunities with the Grinch, Elsa from Frozen and Santa.

Each year the Pell City Library Guild invites children of all ages to construct their dream homes. And then eat them. Join the Guild and Staff of the Pell City Public Library on Dec. 6 and 7, for a Christmas construction project like no other. Register your child for one of the three free sessions by calling the library today at 205-884-1015.

You’re invited to A Candyland Christmas. Come out Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. in front of the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City for the 7th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. This year’s event features live dance performances, musical entertainment, Santa, candy bags for kids, and delicious hot chocolate and apple cider. Pell City’s Downtown Holiday Open House starts earlier in the day at 11 a.m. and includes special offerings, treats and more at participating businesses.

“A Walk-Through Bethlehem” will be at Homestead Hollow on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, from  5:30-8 p.m.

“The 12 Days of Christmas” is the theme for the 2024 Pell City Christmas Parade. It will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7 p.m.

The Rotary Jingle Bell 5K & Fun Run became an instant holiday classic in Pell City last year as hundreds came together to support the Club’s efforts to support the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. From the starting point to the finish line, the event evolved as a true success story, raising over $65,000 to help build a new home at the Boys Ranch and bringing a community together for a common cause. This will be Dec. 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Register at pellcityrotary.org/jingle-bells-5k-run/.

On Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., CEPA will present a Vintage Country Christmas featuring Rose Colored Glasses, a band with that classic country sound that takes you back to Saturday nights listening to the Opry and the jukebox classics that defined a generation. Join your friends to hear Christmas classics from Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Bob Wills and more. For tickets go to: pellcitycepa.com/vintage-christmas.

Sports: Pell City High School Football player, Jamari Johnson, was set to sign to play collegiate football on Dec. 4, during the early signing day period. This is the first time, in the history of the PCHS Football program, that an athlete has signed early.

Continually keep your children and family covered with prayer. Please contact us at 205-338-5590 or email info to annette_snow@yahoo.com.