Sleepy Monticello
Our sleepy little town, as some people think of us, sure has a lot going on. This Friday, Dec. 6, the Community Band will present a concert, Christmas of Long Ago, most likely to a packed house at the Jasper County Courthouse.
Then, Saturday morning, the long-anticipated Smithsonian exhibit will kick off with a proclamation on the Courthouse steps and the recognition of centennial families and farms in the county.
And, the Smithsonian opening includes children’s activities that will take place at the Bank of Monticello annex Saturday. If that’s not enough, the library is offering reading with Santa Claus on Saturday. There’s also a chance to visit with Santa today at Town ‘N Country.
On Sunday, the annual Christmas cantata will be presented at Monticello First United Methodist Church.
And if that’s not enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, then plan on coming uptown on Saturday, Dec. 14, for the Christmas parade and lots of festivities around town. Winners of The Monticello News coloring contest that was in last week’s paper will be announced at that time.
Meanwhile, it’s the holidays. Many companies will be having celebrations and lots of Sunday school groups and individuals will be celebrating.
At this writing, I don’t know when my family is celebrating Christmas together, as Emily is hoping to be able to come home the weekend before, but may not be able to. She has just begun work in the emergency department at the hospital where she works, and since she is new, got the short straw. She has to work (nights) Christmas eve and Christmas day, then the weekend after Christmas is her mandatory weekend. Bummer.
But, we’ll survive. We’re all adults, we don’t have to celebrate on the day. Oh, and with Christmas day being Wednesday, it’s not very good for the newspaper business. Turns out, we are going to print that week’s newspaper on Tuesday, Christmas eve, and you readers will get it in your mailbox on Thursday, the day after Christmas. And, that means we’ll work Christmas eve. Bummer, but we’re not the only ones. We will definitely take Christmas day off, and may close on Thursday as well. We’ll have the same schedule the following week.
And, before that, we’re going to produce a special Christmas section with letters to Santa. So, if you own a business, are a political candidate, or anyone who wants to take this opportunity at the end of the year to thank your customers and wish them happy holidays…get in touch with us by next Friday, Dec. 13. Yes, there’s a Friday the 13th between now and Christmas, which bothers me not at all, but my sister has been known to have some bad luck on that day. More than once she knocked her knee out of joint on that day. I don’t know if she has to worry about that now that she has a new knee.
With Thanksgiving being the latest it could be this year, it’s not long until Christmas. I even realized that a few weeks ago and ran out and bought Christmas cards. I actually started addressing them Sunday. Mind you, we have a small budget Christmas this year, so not only have I not done much shopping; I don’t anticipate doing much. I do have about 30 catalogs here and at home (some duplicates) that I want to find time to peruse. It’s fun to virtual shop.
It’s hard to shop for my crew, as they all make enough money to buy what they want, and we’re still adjusting to semi-retirement, so funds are limited. But there are so many unique items out there, especially in our little town, I’m sure I can find something little for each person on my list. It’ll be fun looking. And, Christmas will be here soon.