Happy holidays, my friends and neighbors. The Christmas season is truly upon us as we head into December. I trust everyone had an enjoyable, relaxing Thanksgiving, with a few moments to count our many blessings here in this fine community we share, as blessed as we are.

As I travel throughout the borough, the Christmas lights and displays have taken front stage — and what a stage it is! I commend everyone who’s taken the time to brighten up our town with the most beautiful lights and seasonal decorations.

I especially enjoy the big picture window decorations on Main Street at Bob’s Flower Shop and Bella Hair. I’ve also enjoy joining those two as I use my two windows at All Things Framed to set up my nana’s circa-1960s aluminum tree in one window and the “A Christmas Story” village, complete with Randy pleading for his Red Ryder Carbine Action 200 Shot Range Model BB Gun figurine, in the other.

Last year, I wrote about the change in location of our annual Christmas tree lighting with great anticipation, that this relocation would allow for an ever-growing event. Well, thanks to our borough staff — specifically, Meaghan Case and Bernadette Singh — that evolution happened much quicker than anyone anticipated.

This year’s lighting event, aptly named Northampton Hometown Holidays, turned the recreation center and fire company parking lots into a true town square-like Christmas festival. Opening 1 p.m. Nov. 22, the day featured a plethora of food vendors and crafters under the big tent and talented musicians playing in the bandshell.

Our youngsters were treated to a supercharged set of activities, ranging from a complete set of stationery and colorful pens and markers to write their letters to Santa, creating their own balloon animals, two bounce houses, the Mini-Moo animals and photos with Santa.

Thanks to the fine workmanship of our public works department, Santa had his own little house set up alongside our Christmas tree. To the joy of the children, Santa rode into the event on the back of our aerial fire truck, escorted by the fire department.

Before the tree lighting, we were entertained by the Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy and Christmas carols sung by the children of Good Shepherd Catholic School. As the highlight of the evening unfolded, the lighting of the brilliant tree brought a noticeable sense of community pride and Christmas spirit to all in attendance.

This event was a tremendous success in our goal to bring our community together again. It exceeded expectations, as many a food vendor sold out of food and drink and crafters enjoyed tremendous sales.

I want to thank our sponsors, whose generosity assisted us in making this event the success that it was: Alliance Fire Company, All Things Framed, Crayola, Carol Anthony, DRC Technology, Northampton Exchange Club, Goudsouzian and Associates, Horwith Trucks Inc., Kelly Dashuta, Lehigh Valley Rug, Sunoco-Northampton and USA Salvage.

So, are we done with the size and scope of this event? Not a chance. Ideas and plans for an even bigger and more entertaining 2026 celebration are already underway. You’ll hear about it early next fall.

The joy of the season continues as our Northampton Fire Department will be hosting a tasty breakfast 8-11 a.m. Dec. 7, followed by the always-exciting annual Santa Run Dec. 13, beginning noon. To participate, you’ll need to drop off the gift(s) 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10-12 at the fire station, 4 Lerchenmiller Drive. There is a limit of one gift per child, and the gift must not exceed the size of a shoebox. Additionally, you must live within the borough and provide the address, child’s name and parent’s phone number.

It goes without saying how very proud I am of our selfless fire department, given the smiles on the children’s faces when Santa arrives on that fire truck. It’s truly priceless, adding to the joy of the season.

Lastly, I’d like to ask that everyone takes a minute to find someone outside of your family in which you make a special Christmas donation, be it the food bank, Toys For Tots or a certain family or a child your church or a civic group may be sponsoring. Not every child or family has the bountiful gifts we have, so I encourage you “find your cause” this Christmas season, making someone else’s Christmas all the more special and memorable. I know you’ll be glad you did. I am!

Now, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas, with all the joy and blessings this season brings. May you and your family have a peaceful and loving holiday, remembering those great family traditions we’ve grown up with.

Merry Christmas!