Sisters Elizabeth and Abigail Pettus, daughters of Patrick and Veronica Pettus, talks with Santa during the annual Christmas Open House held Sunday in Hartselle. | Randy Garrison

Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

While the temperatures did not feel like Christmas and rain was falling from the sky, local shoppers turned out in good numbers for Hartselle’s Annual Christmas Open House. Beginning at 1 p.m. shoppers could be seen entering local shops downtown getting a head start on their Christmas shopping.

Stores and shops downtown were decorated in holiday fashion with sparkling lights and trees adorned with bright and shiny ornaments. Many shop owners also offered refreshments for shoppers.  Carolers from First United Methodist Church could be heard singing on the streets of downtown Hartselle.

Santa Claus was at The Depot and his helper was at the other end of town. Children were ready to tell Old St. Nick what they wanted him to bring them for Christmas.

Most attending Open House could be seen leaving the shops with packages in their hands, which is a good sign for the merchants in the upcoming Christmas season.