By Heather Wood

It is an age-old debate in my house…Do you wait to put up your holiday decorations until after Thanksgiving? Or press play on the Christmas music, bust out the ornaments, throw a batch of Christmas cookies in the oven, and start celebrating now? If you have ever had doubts about the perfect timing, you might consider this: Scientists actually say that decorating for the holidays can make you happier. And since we spent last Christmas sheltered in place during the pandemic, we could all use a little extra holiday cheer this year!

Small town Christmas celebrations are especially wonderful when they remind us of the classic movies we get to watch (and re-watch) around the holidays. Those iconic Christmas scenes are unforgettable for the feelings of nostalgia they evoke. As if downtown Kernersville was not charming enough, we have our own special kind of “Whoville” this time of year. Holiday storefronts began popping up down Main Street and beyond for nearly a month before the big day. Plan to spend the season with us shopping in unique stores in Kernersville, singing carols, spreading good cheer, and marveling at all the twinkling lights. This is the perfect time to join together as a community to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Join us in Harmon Park at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4 for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting! This festive, family-friendly event invites guests to our community to drink hot cocoa, courtesy of Pierce Jefferson Funeral Home, and warm up around the fire as we countdown to the lighting of the tree. Prior to seeing Santa arrive in his horse drawn carriage, kids are invited to make a special treat for him and his reindeer! Be one of the first 100 people in attendance and receive a goodie bag, donated by The Summit Church. Make sure to stop by Harmon Park throughout the month and grab a seasonal photo in front of the tree or take a selfie in our life size gift bag. The tree will be lit at 6:00 p.m. between December 4 -31.

We know you want to make the holidays an exciting time for your kids, and we are here to help. Kernersville Parks and Recreation has made arrangements with Santa’s elves at the North Pole to accept letters from Kernersville’s kids. Have your children write a letter to Santa Claus, and in a few weeks, they will receive a letter from him in return! There will be a mailbox for your child to send their letter to Santa located at the Leo Burke Memorial Gazebo in Harmon Park. Please be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with the letter. You can drop off letters between Monday November 22 – Monday December 13, 2021.

Don’t let the stress of the holiday season bog you down. Why not try one of our yoga classes? Join us on Monday nights with instructor Ashley Price, and increase balance, flexibility, strength, and stamina.

Looking to shed a few pounds or increase your heart rate after indulging on too many holiday goodies? Zumba and REFIT can get you off the couch and hitting the dance floor. Groove to your favorite tunes and dance your cares away! So, grab your tennis shoes, bring a friend, and let’s get to work!

All programs are pre-registration only. To take advantage of discounts check out our full list of upcoming programs and events by following us on Facebook or by visiting our website, KVParks.com. Be on the lookout for our Winter 2022 Leisure Guide. To grab a copy, visit our office at 125 E. Bodenhamer Street or if you receive Peachjar emails through the school system, you can find it there.

Experience the magic of the holidays in Kernersville. Come enjoy a seasonal event or visit us at the Recreation Center for a program. Shop, eat, play, and be merry!