Cooleemee’s annual Ole Time Christmas gathering was held Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.  The room was full with children and adults as the opening started with a Christmas candlelight drama.

As the story of Christmas began, Carrie Benfield lit each candle as they represented specific people of the story. After all the candles were burning, they were all extinguished, one by one, as Christ Jesus’ light remained burning because his light is the light of the world and never goes out.

Everyone enjoyed the drama and then filled their tummy with hot coffee, cocoa, cakes and cookies.  Several door prizes were given away and all joined in for several Christmas songs.

Finding a cedar tree in the woods isn’t that hard to do but finding one that is full and tall enough is different. If you’re determined to figure out a way to balance a thin or whopsided tree, well, you just have to get creative.    

By putting three spindly trees together and using zip ties to hold them close together, you may end up having a tree that looks a little old fashioned. That is exactly what we were going for.

So, everyone helped decorate the tree, a red bow was put on top and the silver icicles were glistening in the sun. There was a count down from 10 to 1 for the lights to come on.

As the children were sitting on the long bench and waiting for Santa’s arrival with anticipation growing, all of a sudden Santa came walking from the side of the house and their faces showed they were shocked and excited.

Several kids and parents made s’mores while the evening grew dark and the market lights and tree set a holiday mood.

A hayride is planned for Friday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Cocoa, cider and cookies will be served and all will ride through town caroling, looking at houses decorated for the season and stopping by the mill to see the life size nativity scene.

Red uplights illuminate the towers while the large cross is placed at the top and the original star will be hung. The star was a great find in the tower and many are happy Bullock developers are utilizing its vintage beauty.

Feel free to contact me at www.cooleemeenews@gmail.com or call 336.250.1133. I would love to hear from you.