---

This weekend brings us yet another weekend closer to Christmas.  I know, I know, everybody is bogged down with present buying and parties.  But if you really want to get in the Christmas spirit, then I have just the thing for you.  The awesome folks at First United Methodist Church (the church by the Lindstrom Middle School) are putting on their annual Living Nativity program.  It is a reenactment of that world changing night in Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus Christ.  The program is live with live actors and live animals and is held outside.  It is a short program (less than 30 minutes) that is moving to say the least.  

There are cookies and warm drinks to help you warm up after each program (they run every 30 minutes beginning at 6pm) for you and your family to enjoy.  The Living Nativity is on Saturday and the address of the church is 30828 Irene Avenue in Lindstrom.   We will see you there!

On Friday, Security State Bank of Marine and Security State Agency will hold their annual Holiday Open Houses.  Santa along with his reindeer will be on hand at 4 pm so bring the kids and your camera.  They will be handing out calendars and gifts and take it from me, they have some of the best cookies in the county!  They are accepting donations for Anonymous Santa at both locations.

Saturday the folks at the Chisago City campus of Maranatha Church invite everyone to the annual Community Holiday Pancake Breakfast.  The meal runs from 8:30 to 10:30 am and only costs $2 per meal.  The proceeds will go to the Chisago City Fire Department.  Santa Claus will be on hand and there will be games and crafts to take part in.  

I know this is a bit early, but if you are going to be alone this Christmas, don’t be.  There is an awesome group of people that take time out of their Christmas celebrations to put on a free Christmas meal. The dinner is Christmas day and is served from noon until 1:15pm.  The meal is free but they do ask that you make reservations by December 18 so they can cook the appropriate amount of food.  Please call 651-257-4306 to reserve a space.  The meal is not limited to single people-- any residents that will not be visiting friends and relatives are welcome.

Thanks to all of the local cities and townships for holding their annual Christmas Lighting Festivals recently.  I love this area and the cohesiveness, and these festivals really enforce what a tight-knit community we have.  

---