Ready or not, Christmas is less than three weeks away.
I used to be one of those extremely organized people. You know the type -- gifts bought, wrapped and hidden far in advance. The cards were written, addressed and stamped the weekend after Thanksgiving. The decorations were planned and ready for the first weekend in December.
Yes, I was always ready for the big day.
Well, times have changed. I started shopping early enough -- in August.
I had all kinds of goodies on layaway by Labor Day weekend. I hit some early sales and took care of a few more names on my list. I thought I was doing pretty well.
Now I find that I can't remember where I hid some of those early buys or I find things and I haven't the slightest idea who I bought them for.
The Christmas cards are still only half-written, although I did finally make it to the post office to buy some festive stamps.
And there are still too many friends and relatives for whom I haven't found the perfect present. So it looks as if I'll be part of the rushing crowds this year.
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I've always tried to avoid the last-minute rush but at least there'll be holiday activities at Carrolltown Center to put me in the best of spirits.
Santa is waiting in his gazebo to hear your child's wishes and to pose for a picture from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Sounds of the season will be provided by the Twelve Bassoons of Christmas in Center Court beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 9.
Saturday, the Handbell Choir of Carrolltowne Elementary will ring in the holidays with a concert at 1 p.m.
Under the direction of Karen Pohl, these talented fifth-graders will perform using four octaves of the English style handbells known as Malmark handbells.
The entire handbell choir, including 40 fourth- and fifth-grade ringers, will perform during the school's Winter Holiday Program at Carrolltowne Elementary on Monday at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
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Keep your eyes open and your ears peeled this weekend. You just might catch a glimpse of Santa as he makes his way through the neighborhoods of southern Carroll County.
The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department will escort Santa on a fire truck this weekend and next from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and from noon until 5 p.m. Sundays.
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The year 1995 is just around the corner and the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department is sponsoring a dance to usher in the New Year.
Cry Monday will provide music for a New Year's Eve party at the fire hall, starting at 9 p.m. Dec. 31.
A hot buffet featuring ham and turkey will be served, with champagne at midnight followed by a continental breakfast.
For tickets and price information, call 549-2366.
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If baking is part of your holiday tradition and you wish to share your talent with those less fortunate, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church has the outlet for your gifts.
The church will provide Christmas Eve dinner for the needy at the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen held at Westminster Church of the Brethren.
As part of the holiday treat, Holy Spirit would like to provide each person at the meal with a loaf of banana bread to take home.
Approximately 100 loaves are needed for the project. If you are able to help, contact 795-7151.
Members of Holy Spirit also plan to give cookies to the homeless in Baltimore on Sunday.
Anyone wishing to donate cookies should call 549-1180.