Christmas Decor

Monticello’s Square is all dressed up for Christmas. We may not have a 78-foot spruce like the one in Rockefeller Center, but we have our own tree that lights up the corner of the square and welcomes all to Monticello.

Local stores have been full of gifts for family and friends and decorations for your home since Halloween. Whether you want to buy a practical gift such as clothing or boots, or a gift for that special loved one, our local merchants can help you. Stop in and and shop locally.

Don’t forget to get your children some books and DVDs at our library, a wonderful collection of stories about Christmas. And if you enjoy looking at cookbooks, even if you are not a cook, then the library also can supply those. The Persons Collection has many beautiful “coffee table” books to inspire and help you with making your dream home.

Hanging your stockings by the mantel is an old tradition that originated in Europe. Saint Nicholas, the forerunner of our Santa Claus, was actually a Saint of the Greek Orthodox Church who performed miracles and gave to the poor. He was known for putting coins in shoes that were left by the doorstep. Somehow the story of his generosity changed and he dropped coins down chimneys into stockings that were hung by the fire to dry. Today, we call this tradition, “stocking stuffers.”

The “Old Farmers Almanac” predicts a colder and wetter winter. Weather people are already talking about El Nino bringing the bad weather. Could this be the year we see another White Christmas like in 1983? Weather predictors say we may see some snow, but look closely.

If all else fails, turn on your television to the 24-hour Yule Log channel and make some instant hot chocolate.