Here’s hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Whether you were the preparer or a guest, Thanksgiving may be one of the finest holidays we observe in America! No gift-giving or the wearing of costumes is involved. Treating your family to a delicious meal and being thankful for what we have is most important. This holiday always brings back the remembrances of years past with family members who are no longer with us. We should be thankful for fond memories as well.

As you read this, we are less than a month away from Christmas. I bet you have a lot on your list to do before then. However, I hope you are planning some fun things to do with family and friends. In our county there are many events for you to enjoy.

On Friday, December 1, East Point Lighthouse is welcoming Santa Claus for a visit. The kids can meet Santa, see the train and lighthouse village, and climb to the top of the lighthouse. This is a free event at the county’s historic lighthouse.

On December 2 and 3, The Shoppes at Dragon Village will host Naughty or Knights: A Renaissance Christmas, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It features a “knightly tournament of arms,” Vikings, singing and music, train rides, photos with Santa, kids’ activities, food and drink, and gift shopping. Dragon Village is located at 97 Trench Road in Bridgeton.

On the west side of our county, Bridgeton will host its annual Holiday House Tour on December 2 from 3 to 7 p.m. Numerous Victorian houses on the tour will be fully decorated for the season. You may pre-order tickets for $20 at DowntownBridgeton.com or pay at 31 W. Commerce Street, Bridgeton, for $25.

Also on December 2, the family can enjoy Winter Wonderland on High Street in Millville’s downtown. It will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and will feature Pictures with Santa, hair tinseling, games, live music, special characters, crafts, vendors, cookies, and hot cocoa. This is a free event. Call the city at 856-825-7000, ext. 7394 for more information or to pre-register.

There will be many holiday performances at the Levoy Theatre in Millville, including Top of the World, a tribute to the Carpenters with a Christmas show, Jackie Evancho with An Evening of Holiday Cheer, Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis holiday show, and Shadows of the 60s, a holiday tribute to Motown. The Levoy has some favorite holiday movies, too—The Polar Express, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Die Hard (mature audience). Visit the Levoy at Levoy.net for dates and prices.

Please think about the small business owners when shopping this holiday season. You will find all kinds of handcrafted gifts for men, women, and children at Gallery 50 in Bridgeton and in Millville at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, Rowan SJ College – Clay College and Village on High. Downtown Vineland has many shopping opportunities at The Spot. Remember, that when you “shop small” you are supporting entrepreneurs from your own town!

Think about the bakeries, candy shops, restaurants and cafes, for your holiday needs and catering. There are many talented chefs and bakers throughout all of our downtown areas.