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If you happened to see the Press last week, or the Search , you couldn't miss the wonderful pull out section called the Chisago Lakes Area Small Town Christmas Celebration. If you did by chance miss this, please turn to page 12 and 13 of this Press.

If you are wondering whether you have seen this celebration before, you have not. It is the first ever celebration of its kind in our area. All of our great cities that make up the Chisago Lakes Area have joined forces along with tons of local businesses to offer you, the consumer, a really special shopping event.

Beginning tomorrow (Friday), you will find businesses that will be offering you either wonderful specials at their business or Christmas treats to enjoy. Believe me when I say this, there are absolutely wonderful deals to be had everywhere. The list is too long for me to mention all of the great businesses, but if you still do not have the latest Search Shopper, you are welcome to stop by the Press and pick one up.

Our great sales staff here at the Press have worked hard to produce this terrific three page pull out section for you. It is filled with beautiful color ads from businesses that are taking part in the Small Town Christmas.

Let's make a plan to visit as many of these businesses as we can this weekend. Who knows, you just might fill your Christmas list without leaving our area. Wouldn't that be refreshing.

Kids, remember to get your color crayons out and give us your best rendition of a Christmas Tree with your entry in this year's Gift Guide Coloring Contest. We have had some good ones already, but we need more. The Press will be giving out prizes for three different age categories. So be creative and get coloring. Entries can be mailed or dropped off here at the Press. Our mailing address is PO Box 748, Lindstrom, MN 55045. Good luck!

If you have young children, then you, like me, are pretty much pulling your hair out right about now.

I don't know how kids know this, but as soon as Thanksgiving is all done, they immediately turn their focus to Christmas. Not that it is a bad thing, but in my house the added excitement level is through the roof.

We, as many of you do, have a boy and a girl. Our son is the older of the two, and has figured out how to play out the whole "What do you want for Christmas?" deal. He just shrugs his shoulders and says whatever you want to get him is fine. In reality, he is not giving a definite answer because he is afraid that if he commits to one item, and something bigger and better comes along, he will be out in the cold.

My daughter on the other hand, is the exact opposite. When we ask her to make a list, she runs right to the computer and bangs out about 50 items. Then every night, she will have a few more ideas which she promptly adds to her ever-increasing wish list.

When they are not contemplating what Santa should bring them, they are running around the house either singing or just yelling for no apparent reason. I keep getting told that they are just kids and that I should "chill out". Thinking back to my younger years, I remember being that excited about Santa's arrival. I also seem to remember my dad making many trips out to the garage. Now that I think of it, I think we had a refrigerator in that old garage.

I need an extra refrigerator.

We are still looking for area photos to be used in this year's 2010 Chisago Lakes Community Guide. We have had some amazing photos already submitted, but we would like a few more. This is your chance to be published. You will receive full credit for the photos and your photos will be seen by people all year long. Please send your photos to The Chisago County Press, PO Box 748, Lindstrom, MN 55045. If you wish to email your photos, please send them to [email protected].

If you are looking for a great Christmas present for your family or friends, I think I can help you out. What about a year's subscription to the Chisago County Press? Think about it, your gift will arrive 52 times a year. On top of that, they will get all of the news, school events, sports information every week of the year. Right now we have a special for new subscribers, The special includes two free months when you purchase a year's subscription. How can you go wrong? If you would like to subscribe, or if you would like to give the County Press as a present this Christmas, please give us a call at 651-257-5115.

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