Willow Leaves December 13

Christmas Parties Abound Several groups are having their annual holiday get-togethers this week to celebrate the season and friendships. Those which are open to the public or social groups are listed here with a little bit about each group and event. YAHS Christmas Dinner The YAHS (Young at Hearts) will be meeting for a carry-in dinner Tuesday, December 14, 5:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in the basement. People with last names beginning with letters A-J bring salads or appetizers, letters K-Q bring casseroles or main dishes, letters R-Z bring desserts. The program will be presented by Rev. Hartford from over in Huntington who will tell the stories of the carols and play the autoharp as people sing along. Baptist Youth Gift Exchange The Baptist Youth will have a gift exchange and social time at their weekly meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. There will be singing and games in the Praise Hall at Holy Waters Baptist Church. Refreshments will be served. If you did not get a name on the exchange and would like to come and participate, bring a wrapped gift appropriate for a 12-18 year-old youth. There will be enough to make sure there is an exchange for you. Holiday Lights Walking Tour The Grange is once again sponsoring a walking tour of Willow Mills holiday decorations. Always a popular event, this year it will be held on Friday evening December 17. The tour starts at Fountain Square. A Map with suggested route will be available starting at nightfall. Starred locations have refreshments. We ask once again this year that tours be completed by 9:00 p.m. as folks start going to bed and would rather not be chorused after that hour. Carolling at the Fountain All singers and singer-wannabes are invited to join the many carollers that will perform in front of the Bank on Saturday December 18 from 11:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. local trios and quartets as well as larger ensembles have each taken a half hour block during the day. This is the last Saturday before Christmas, so many merchants will have special displays and it is rumored that Santa himself will stop by at 3:00 p.m. to talk to the kiddies. Bring your camera, or buy a picture from Santa's photo-elf. Kwanzaa Celebration The Unitarian Church will celebrate Kwanzaa at services on Sunday December 19. Special crafts are planned for the children with story-telling and a dramatization. Several members of the congregation have taken it upon themselves to learn about Kwanzaa and to present this celebration. Christmas Pagents Pagents at both Holy Waters Baptist and Willow Mills United Methodist Churches will occur at each church respectively on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. The Baptist Pagent is titled "How Far the Stars." The Methodists, assisted by the Pawns of Injustice, are presenting the rock opera "Rock that Baby, Mary." Both promise to be entertaining events. Winter Solstice The annual winter solstice celebration at the Herb Farm will be held on Tuesday evening December 21. First glass of champagne will be raised at 5:30 p.m. This celebration is strictly by reservation. Call the Herb Lady at 5712 no later than Sunday the 19th. Remember to bring your carry-in dish to share and your ornament for the tree. This celebration often goes until past midnight and the year there were 57 people at the celebration, they didn't break up until after 2:00 a.m. For details on the ritual, talk to the Herb Lady. Christmas Eve Services All three churches will hold Christmas Eve services on December 24 at 7:00 p.m. The Baptist Church Service will be a full worship service to celebrate the coming of our Lord. The Methodists will have a "Festival of Carols" at 7:00 p.m. and this year will hold a midnight communion service starting at 11:00 p.m. The Unitarians will hold a "Secular Christmas" service that will include a visit from Santa Claus as he makes his pass through Willow Mills. A favorite of this party is the White Elephant gift exchange. Creative wrappings are encouraged. Bruce and Edna will once again deliver the story of Mr. and Mrs. Right.