Well, we have finally arrived at the first full weekend of December and as usual it is chock full of holiday cheer.  This weekend tends to kick of the real celebrations each year.  I was caught off guard when I turned down Main Street after dark one evening recently to find that all the Christmas lights were up and sparkling.  It was like turning into a glittering wonderland.

A good excuse to go stroll downtown, a special holiday Art After Dark takes place on Main Street tonight (Dec. 3), with many shops staying open late and serving refreshments (think wine, cheese, Christmas cookies!) to enjoy while you browse and hundreds of luminaries lining the street.

There's also the Mud Dabbers annual open house this weekend (today, Sat & Sun) that features a (free!) hand-made miniature pottery mug to drink hot apple cider while you browse the shop.  (The hardest part is choosing from all the beautiful little mugs!)