We have gone quickly from light sweatshirts and sneakers to sweater, coat, scarf and warm boots. It is the first week in December and I know we should be expecting it, but after the warm November it is hard to get used to it.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Kallen Allen who celebrated Nov. 30: Anabel Da Silva, Ana Nunes, Dec. 1; Nicholas de Paula, Dec. 2; Emmet Sylva, Colby Greene, Taylor Prescott, Dec. 5; and to James Thornton who celebrates his day on Dec. 6.

In July, I think I warned you all that Christmas was going to be here in five short months. Well, here it is, just like that. I did not take my own warning and like everyone else I am looking and shopping for gifts, trying to decorate and get into the spirit of Christmas. It is just three short weeks away and I am sure it is going to fly by fast.

Tim and Debbie Gilkes and their son Cooper were here to spend Thanksgiving with their parents Cooper and Lela Gilkes. They were joined by Tim’s sister Tina, her husband Jon and daughter Payton Polleys. I had the pleasure of going over on Friday night for “must goes,” which means everything must go. After dinner the men all went in the living room to watch the games while the women played Scategories, which is very fun and for us very competitive. We had a great time playing and laughing and hope we can do it again soon.

This is the time of year to explain my finishing line “Keep the home candles burning”. My parents would put colored candles in the window at Christmas and always put a white one on the right side of the sidewalk window. They told me it was to help guide my brothers’ home safely as they both served in the Navy and Marines. Seeing that there are still many soldiers overseas and away from home I have a white candle in my window to help guide them home safely and as a sign of respect.

I have my favorite Christmas movies I like to watch this month but when I checked out Netflix, I found they have more movies then one can watch in one month. But ,if you enjoy those light easy to watch shows check out their list. They would be great to watch on a cold stormy day with a nice warm blanket and a big bowl of popcorn.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.