Why is it that the holidays come so fast? Consider this your friendly nudge to get your shopping done early so you’ll have time to enjoy all these fantastic, family-fun activities happening in our community! Here it goes…

The OV Parks Tree Annual Lighting is set for December 1, 6 pm - 7:30 pm at the OV Community Center, 6826 Hazel Avenue. Come see the “real” Santa, Buddy the Elf, and enjoy performances from local choirs, bands and free treats from the OV Women’s Club and the OV Grange, and more! This is a definite bundle up, fun event!

Just our luck, Santa has extended his visit and will be making his “Santa at the Museum” debut on Saturday, December 2, 12 pm - 3 pm! Come enjoy FREE pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts, food and hot cocoa too! Check out the new OV History Museum located at 6920 Hazel Avenue. Park through the gate behind the museum. For more information, go to www.orangevalehistorymuseum.org

Christmas Lights at Dovewood Court! Opens December 3 - December 27, 5:30 pm - 10 pm. Walk or drive through. There’s nearby parking at the OV Grange for a donation that goes to helping kids in the community. Also, don’t forget to stop by Dairy Queen on your way in or out! Try their Oreo Hot Chocolate Blizzard, Candy Cane Chill, Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard or one of their many delicious menu items! Yum!

Watch or be part of the 3rd Annual OV Holiday Parade of Lights on December 9th! Staging for participants starts at 4:30 pm in front of Green Oaks Elementary School, with the parade starting at 5:30 pm. The parade route goes north on Filbert, right on Oak, right on Main, right on Central and right on Filbert and ends at Green Oaks Elementary School. Bring a pair of adult sized sweatpants or make a cash donation to help the homeless in our community. Collection will be at the end of the parade at Santa’s sleigh. Bundle up! This parade is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

This is a yummy holiday favorite you won’t want to miss. Breakfast with Santa is happening at the OV Grange, 5807 Walnut Avenue, December 10th, 8 am - 10:30 am! Also see the OV Women’s Club Gingerbread House Contest. Gonna be a great morning of fun and holiday festivity! Bring the whole family!

Finally, there are lots of “giving” opportunities if you want to help others in need this holiday season. The Last Tangle is the “One Stop, Donation Drop” for these programs benefiting local kids: The OV-FO Kiwanis Annual PJ Drive, collecting new pajamas for kids of all ages, The OV Teen Council Stocking Drive, is collecting blankets, socks, sweatshirts/hoodies, $5 - $10 gift cards and other stocking stuffers for local teens, and lastly, Kayleighann’s 7th Annual Toy Drive is collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. Stop by 8820 Greenback Lane to drop your items off! All going to help local kids in need this holiday season! All items needed by December 4!

Hope you all have time to enjoy making memories with family and friends and remember the true spirit of the holidays! Wishing you all a very happy and blessed holiday season!