Holiday events

By Staff
To submit items for the holiday calendar, send to news@hartselleenquirer.com or mail to P.O. Box 929, Hartselle, AL 35640.
All month
Once again, Hartselle Parks and Recreation has a direct link to the North Pole. Send letters to us and we will forward them straight to Santa. He will personally respond to each letter he receives. Please be sure to enclose a stamp for your return letter. Send letters to: Santa, c/o Hartselle Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 987, Hartselle, AL 35640.
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is hosting its10th annual Galaxy of Lights this year. The mile-long holiday extravaganza features larger-than-life animated light displays. Drive-through nights are now through Dec. 31 from 5-9 p.m. Drive-through admission is $12 per car, with a $1 discount given for donated canned food, paper product, pet food, children's book, warm coat or Toys for Tots donation. A $2 discount is available for drive-through tickets purchased in advance at the garden.
Surprise your child with a visit from Santa, who will be in Hartselle two weeks prior to Christmas. Parents, if you would like to schedule a visit to your home, stop by Sparkman Civic Center and register by Dec. 12. Santa will stop by to see if your child is being naughty or nice. He will also bring your child a small memento to remember the visit. Fee is $15 for one child per household and $5 for each additional child.
Dec. 1
The 2005 Hartselle Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. in downtown Hartselle.
Dec. 2
Christ Our Redeemer is hosting a family Christmas party Friday, Dec. 2, 5:30-8 p.m. with a chili supper at 5:30 p.m., followed by fun, games, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Bring your friends and a camera for pictures with Santa. Christ Our Redeemer is located at 721 Pickens Street in Hartselle. The event is free and the community is welcome and invited to attend. For more information, call 773-2121.
The Decatur Christian Women's Club presents "A Glimpse of Christmas" holiday music and d/cor luncheon Friday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Decatur Country Club. The event will feature local Santa artist Donnatella, table prizes by The French Connection, music by the Decatur High School Chamber Chorus, and speaker Jo Ellen "Joey" Potts of Water Valley, Ky., who will present "Dealing with Those Little Changes Life Throws Our Direction." Tickets are $13. For reservations and complimentary nursery, call 301-9196 or 353-3336, or email CEKKESS@charter.net or fh2312@charter.net.
Dec. 3
The 2005 Hartselle Christmas Tour of Homes will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance at the Depot and City Hall and $10 the night of the event at featured homes. The tour is co-sponsored by Hartselle Beautification Association and the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds benefit citywide projects sponsored throughout the year by both organizations. For more information, call 773-4370 or 773-0300.
The Historic Burleson Preservation Committee will hold its second annual Breakfast with Santa event Saturday, Dec. 3, 8-9:30 a.m. and 10-11:30 a.m. at the historic F.E. Burleson School. Tickets are $5 and include a doughnut and juice breakfast and 20 tickets for reindeer games. Bring extra money for pictures with Santa by Dale Robinson Photography, Christmas shopping at the Santa Shop and extra reindeer game tickets. Come enjoy food, fun, prizes and surprises with Santa! Tickets are available at the door.
The Eva Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. Anyone wishing to participate can meet at the Eva Community Center at 10:30 a.m. for lineup. For more information, call 482-4703.
The Priceville Christmas Parade is planned for Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Raindate is Dec. 10.
Dec. 4
Falkville Community Pride will host its annual Christmas in the Park on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m., at Jack McCaig Park. The event will feature a live band, children's choir and Christmas caroling, lighting of the Christmas tree, and hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Dec. 5
The F.A.C.E.S. (Families And Children Experiencing Separation) fifth annual Christmas Open House and Silent Auction will be held Monday, Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m., at OH! Bryan's Family Steakhouse in Hartselle. No reservations are required and the community is welcome and invited to attend. Shrimp and finger food will be served. All proceeds will benefit F.A.C.E.S. of Morgan County, which works in conjunction with the Morgan County Department of Human Resources to meet the needs of abused and neglected children who have been placed, or are at risk of being placed, in foster care.
Dec. 8
The Hartselle Newcomers Club will meet Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Giovanni's Italian Restaurant (located at the former Emporium, across from Hartselle Depot). Members should bring a wrapped gift (limit $10) for a game of "Dirty Santa." First United Methodist Church will provide childcare. Contact Sue Kalber at 751-0295 or Sharon Fisher at 751-3171 for more information.
Dec. 10
Hartselle Parks and Recreation will host lunch with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m. for children ages eight and younger. Santa will have lunch and visit with each boy and girl. Space is limited, so reserve your place today by calling Sparkman Civic Center at 773-2581 before Dec. 7. Fee is $1 per child and must be paid on the day of the event. Photos with Santa will be available for $2 each.
Giving opportunities
First Cash Express, located at 1825 6th Ave., Suite A, in Decatur, is collecting toys, coats and non-perishable food items for Toys for Tots, the Committee on Church Cooperation, and local churches. Donations can be dropped off at First Cash Express. For more information, call 341-0566.
Check Advance, located at 2215 Danville Rd. SW in Decatur, is collecting toys, for Toys for Tots, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.