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I hope you had a chance to take in the living nativity at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom on Saturday.  Of course Mother Nature decided to drop a snowstorm on the event.  The actors in the nativity program braved cold temperatures and a driving snow/sleet that lasted the entire time.

If you were part of the nativity in any capacity, please accept my thank you on behalf of those who attended.  Even though it was a drive-thru nativity this year, the meaning was not lost.  One of my favorite events of the year.

I know it’s a tad early, but if you own or work at a business locally, I would encourage you to consider being a vendor in this year’s Home Show. It has been rebranded as  The Chisago Lakes Showcase and will only run one day this year.  It will be held March 23 at the Chisago Lakes Wildcat Community Center.  The Chisago Lakes Showcase is open to all businesses in the Chisago Lakes area. Whether you're a well-established enterprise or a budding startup, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your products and services, connect with the local community, and foster meaningful business relationships.  Contact the Chamber at 651-257-1177 or visit their website for more info.

We still have some valuable shopping days left until Christmas.  I know everyone sees the grey Amazon trucks all over the place, but I am pleading with you, to please consider shopping locally.  These businesses are our friends and neighbors who rely on us to keep them in business.  We have some truly amazing stores in our area offering items you will not find on Amazon. Together we can make a difference.

Are you looking for a last minute gift idea? How about giving the gift of local news and events for an entire year? For the low cost of around $50 you can give 52 editions of the Chisago County Press directly to their mailbox.  Just give us a call at 651-257-5115 or visit our website at www.chisagocountypress.

com and we will get the subscription started.  If you want, you can stop by and pick up a paper to put in their stocking to show them what they are getting.

We have a ton of great church ads in the Press this week.  They all list their Advent and Christmas service times.  They would absolutely love it if you and your family came to any of the services this Christmas season.  I have been to most of the area churches and I can assure you there is no pressure on you as a stranger to join or anything like that. They are just happy to have you there celebrating this Christmas season.

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