The Inter-Mountain photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell Santa Claus and his reindeer are on display over the streets of Weston.

Christmas decorations are plentiful in Buckhannon.

In Philippi, 100 pine trees have appeared on the Court House lawn for decorations as part of the ‘Covered Bridge Christmas.’

With snow flurries appearing in our skies and plummeting temperatures causing scarf-and-glove closet searches, we ready ourselves for the Christmas Season when people provide warm smiles, extra greetings and celebrate the birth of a baby in a manger who has saved all who have sought and followed His teachings.

Health problems are on the decline this year and there is a true sense of anticipation about this holiday period. We must thank all our medical professionals who have contributed so much toward turning a terrible time-period around and ensuring some measure of normalcy once more. With their know-how, guidance and diligence, and with our communities cooperating, we may have a second miracle to celebrate at this time.

However it shakes out, it seems we now have many volunteers motivated to get special events on calendars. Their willingness to be back-on-the-job ensures a busy and bright environment for us to enjoy.

Allow me to guide curious Christmas seekers through five area locations where holiday events are numerous. I am sure readers will not be able to attend everything on this list, but at least I can give some options and allow for some activity sampling sure to enliven life and stimulate family fun.

The big action today seems to be in Beverly, where children are having “Breakfast with Santa” at the Fire Hall till 11 a.m. On the same highway, the Beverly Presbyterian Church Women are serving their annual lunch items from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the Beverly Heritage Center’s Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration. Trays of homemade cookies will be part of the church sales and several other Heritage Center activities will fill afternoon hours.

Meanwhile in Elkins, The Arts Center on Randolph Avenue will be busy with area artists selling their creations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, bazaars will be offering foods and goods at Orlena Methodist and Grace Episcopal Churches beginning at 8 a.m., and the Elkins Christian Academy beginning at 9 a.m. Each will continue into mid-to-late afternoon.

A tour of the area will find Buckhannon busy with downtown shoppers who are enjoying lovely street decorations and other area sites with special artistic arrangements including the Court House Pine Tree garnished in a Candy Cane theme. Nearby Jawbone Park is hosting a West Virginia Dickens Festival and Fair with Victorian flair that enhances their 2022 city Christmas theme, “An Old Fashioned Christmas.”

Beware near North Kanawha Street for “The Grinch” who seemed to find his way to this spirited town. He is not expected to stay very long because Buckhannon residents have lots of smiles and happy pursuits and they will not be discouraged by this visitor. The atmosphere will, no doubt, inspire many to walk the streets and patronize merchants. Plan for a happy stay.

If one chose to travel to Philippi, it would quickly be noted that 100 pine trees have appeared on the Court House lawn for decoration in these holidays. As part of their “Covered Bridge Christmas”, they additionally have scheduled at A-B College a play, “The Santa Clause Chronicles” on the evenings of Dec. 16 and 17 in the Funkhouser Auditorium.

Dec.10 finds a Community Chorus Ensemble performing a selection of seasonal tunes in the Philippi Baptist Church at 4 p.m. An Annual Christmas Stroll will take place in the downtown area Dec. 21 where at six locations special entertainers will sing seasonal tunes and play instruments. Imagine walking through town with a wonderful view of the decorated firs and hearing renditions of favorite Christmas tunes.

Weston, as well, lights-up its town with “Dancing Snowflakes” surrounding Santa and his sleigh high above Main Street and providing a quality light-show as drivers move the length of the town. While children love to watch this activity, especially near dusk or after, adults may be interested in getting to town earlier in the day so they may view items in the West Virginia Museum of American Glass offering thousands of pieces to see and plenty of glass items for fine gift-giving.

Equally beautiful is Minnich’s Florists with hundreds of colorful Christmas items and decorations and Caplans Jewelers, which happens to be the only jewelry store in several area counties.

Some very special events are also on-tap later in the month in the Elkins area that are worthy of attendance. Tomorrow, Dec. 4, the Davis & Elkins College Choir presents its Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Harper-McNeeley Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Jack Gibbons, renowned pianist, will present his Christmas Concert at the Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 6 p.m.

The Elkins High School Choir will give their evening Christmas Recital Dec. 19. Additionally, The Gandy Dancer will present their Mountain Memories Christmas Shows during the month and interested patrons should check their several performance dates and times on-line.

Finally, the old Mary’s Greenhouse in South Elkins is always on my short list for holiday stops. Whether one buys a poinsettia or not, it will boost holiday spirits just to view the hundreds of colorful plants under one roof. One can become addicted to this adventure, most likely permanently. I have.

I know there is much more out there for your Christmas journey. I smile as I am able to suggest activities where neighbors can greet each other and feel they can talk and laugh and return to what they have experienced before.

Through the season we will discover places we want to go to become part of the world we have grown to cherish. But my fondest wish is that through all there is that has become Christmas, we join in never forgetting the star in the sky that shone on a manger and directed our minds and hearts toward love and peace. These are the messages of the season to preserve throughout the year. These represent the meaning of Christmas in its truest form. Our love for God is to share His child’s message in all we do and say.