by Heather Wood

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday!  I love spending time with family and reliving the traditions that we have set and celebrated over the years.  Many years ago, my family started a new tradition – celebrating our beloved holiday with our local community.   Kernersville offers charming holiday events, mom-and-pop stores with one-of-a-kind gifts, tree lighting, a parade, pancake supper, historic holiday tours, and so much more!!!  Small towns have long standing traditions and we invite you to join us in our holiday celebration.  It is an excellent opportunity to make new holiday memories and share the Christmas spirit with family, friends, and loved ones.  You will be jolly in a jiffy after participating in some of the special festivities around town.

Shop Til You Drop

It is not hard to tell the holiday season is upon us.  For weeks workers have been transforming the downtown area into a wonderland for family, shopping, and tourism.  Picture the heart of your community — Downtown Kernersville where your family may stroll down its streets happily and safely, and appreciate the convenience and variety of its specialty stores and restaurants.  Get started on your holiday shopping and enjoy “Christmas Around the World,” Holiday Open House from 3-7 pm on Saturday, December 7.  Merchants will be delighted to help you with your gift giving this holiday season.  Also take advantage of horse drawn carriage rides, photo opportunities, and a visit from Santa.

Rockin Around the Tree

Let the celebration continue at 7 pm, on Saturday, December 7 with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Harmon Park.  Sip on hot cocoa, provided by Pierce Jefferson Funeral Home, while enjoying the sounds of the East Forsyth Madrigals & Caprice.  Join along while we sing carols and wait to light the tree and the arrival of Santa and friends. The Glenn High School marching band will assist in Santa’s arrival to the park, where he will be greeted by lots of little smiling faces.  The local girl scouts will also join us with the lighting of the luminaries around the tree.  The Kernersville Tree Lighting is a wonderful tradition and a great way to kick off the holiday season!

All Spruced Up- Holiday Safety Tips

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart.  A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.

PICKING THE TREE

– Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

PLACING THE TREE

-Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.

-Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.

-Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

-Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

LIGHTING THE TREE

-Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.  Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.

-Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.  Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.  Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.

-Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

-Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.  Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.  Check with your local community to find a recycling program.  Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Tis the Season To Get Engaged

December is becoming the most popular month to get engaged.  It does seem appropriate when surrounded by family and friends during the holiday season, so why not pop the question?  Most newly engaged brides do a couple of things first.  I have seen brides who run to the store and buy every wedding magazine on the shelf.  Some brides immediately start trying on dresses, while others start zipping from one side of town to another to scope out their potential venue.

Hold up.  Stop.  Breathe.  Kernersville Parks and Recreation has you covered.  Join us on Saturday, January 4, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the elegant Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden for our FREE Wedding Fair.  There will be a wide variety of local vendors that are ready to spend some one-on-one time with you.  See what Kernersville has to offer to make your special day a dream come true.  The Kernersville Wedding Fair is a one-stop shop of local vendors ranging from caterers, photographers, venues, wedding cakes, invitations, and so much more!  If you are interested in becoming a vendor register at www.toknc.com/pr or call 336-992-0806.

Upcoming Reminders

The Kernersville Father / Daughter Dance will be February 8 at the Kernersville Parks and Recreation Community Center.  Tickets will go on sale January 2, 2014.  Visit our website at www.toknc.com/pr to purchase tickets.

The Town of Kernersville will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26 in observance of the holiday.  We wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season and Happy New Year!

SAVE THE DATE:

Christmas Around the World Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 7 from 3:00 – 7:00pm

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Harmon Park
Saturday, December 7 at 7:00pm

Kernersville Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 8 from 2:30 – 4:30pm

Rotary Club Pancake Supper at Kernersville Elementary School
Sunday, December 8 at 4:30pm

KÖRNER’S FOLLY:

A Victorian Christmas at Körner’s Folly
Now through January 4

Christmas Puppet Show The Night Before Christmas
December 7 & 14 at 10:00am

Christmas by Candlelight Tours
December 14 & 21 from 6:00 – 9:00pm

Kernersville Wedding Fair at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden
Saturday, January 4 from 11:00am – 3:00pm