Typically, a day is set aside to give recognition for a worthy cause or to a worthy event.
Such a notable event was held at Carroll County General Hospital on Monday.
The hospital's auxiliary presented its annual Lights Illuminating Ceremony in front of the main building for the public.
The Lights Illuminating Ceremony serves not only as a holiday tradition welcoming a new season, but also as a symbol for the Tree of Lights fund-raising campaign at the hospital.
Each year the hospital's auxiliary asks families, organizations, business and industry to purchase a light to be placed on the tree.
Donors can memorialize a lost loved one or honor friends, family or others by buying a light to recognize milestone events in their lives.
Those wishing to donate to the Tree of Lights can do so through Jan. 15.
This year, all donations received from the Tree of Lights will support the renovation of patient rooms in One West and One North, medical and surgical units at the hospital.
The suggested donations for the Tree of Lights are: individuals and families, $5 per light; clubs and organizations, $25 per light; and business and industry, $100 per light. All gifts are tax-deductible.
Information: 857-6979.
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This weekend, one of the most anticipated holiday events in Carroll County will open to the public.
The 24th annual Poinsettia and Greens Open House and Sale at Union Mills Homestead will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The magical holiday weekend will present its guests with seasonal decorations and gifts.
The Union Mills Homestead will present three rooms of the Shriver family home dressed in beautiful Christmas attire, compliments of Alloway Herb Gardens of Littlestown, Pa.
The third floor of the Grist Mill will be decked out in colorful poinsettias. Christmas plants, flowers, swags and wreaths will be on display and for sale.
Santa will be in the Miller's Office on the second floor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
On the first floor of the mill, hot mulled cider and cookies will be served.
Fresh-cut Douglas fir Christmas trees, greens and garlands will be on display in the Tannery building.
The Gift Shop is the place to visit for those hard-to-find presents for the people who have everything.
Give the shop the once-over for Christmas cards and wrappings from the Marian Heath collection: stocking stuffers, toys, cast iron gifts, Homestead souvenirs, English children's storybooks, handmade crib quilts and children's smocked dresses.
The Union Mills Homestead is on Route 97 north of Westminster.
All proceeds from the open house and sale benefit the preservation and restoration of the Union Mills Homestead complex.
Information: 848-2288.
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If you are looking for something to do this weekend or one of the remaining weekends before Christmas, check out the EnterTRAINment Line special train rides.
This weekend and next weekend, the train will take SANTA Rides.
Trains leave the Railroad Avenue parking lot in Westminster and Union Bridge at various times Saturdays and Sundays for a 1 1/2 -hour Christmas journey.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus welcome children of all ages to come aboard and enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Visit with the world's only talking/singing Christmas tree and see the toy soldiers and Santa's elves. Children will receive a gift.
Reservations are required.
Sodas, snacks and hot dogs will be for sale on the train.
Ticket prices are $13.75 for adults and $7.75 for children. For more information and train departure schedule, call 1-800-553-3115.