It’s the home stretch, everyone, with exactly one month left until Christmas.
Thanksgiving leftovers are just about gone and all those who visited Greater Pittston to see family and friends are returning home. Social media was abuzz with photos of people at airports all over the country in anticipation of flying into the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
Thanksgiving is such a great holiday to wrap yourself in the warmth of family, friends and food. No hustle and bustle of running here and there to buy gifts; it’s just a laid-back day where we feast and then rest followed by saying, “I can’t believe I ate that much!”
With Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza all around the corner, the next few weeks of city sidewalks and busy sidewalks will be in full swing.
With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday behind us, the next big shopping day is Cyber Monday tomorrow. The savings are not as deep as they are on Black Friday, but I imagine you can snag a bargain or two. The City of Pittston will, once again, flourish when its presents Christmas in Pittston on Friday, Dec. 7.
The night starts early at 5 p.m. with a brief program and tree lighting and Santa arrives at 5:15 p.m. After a performance by the Spotlight Dancer Studio, the Second Annual Christmas Toy Truck Parade will begin at the Cooper’s lot on Kennedy Boulevard and head towards the Tomato Festival lot on main Street with decorated vehicles done in festive trim.
There will be free horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, free hot chocolate supplied by the Salvation Army and free balloons by Jubilee Balloons.
Didn’t get a chance to mail your letter to Santa? Not a problem. There will be a Santa mailbox next to the Newrose building.
At 7 p.m., you can head up the hill to the Pittston Memorial Library for crafts, milk and cookies where Santa himself will read “The Night Before Christmas.”
The Knights of Columbus will offer hot chocolate and candy canes, Merle Norman will do Santa shimmer nails for $5 and CityTrenz Boutique will be open from 5 to 7 p.m.
If you’re feeling generous, there will be a Toys for Tots drop-off table so you can donate a toy to make a child’s Christmas a happy one.
I can tell you from experience, the event overseen by the always efficient, always diligent, always detail-oriented Sarah Donahue is another big downtown party. If you are interested in participating in Pittston’s Christmas activities, contact Sarah at sdonahue@cityofpittston.org.
Thinking about entering a vehicle in the Toy Truck Parade? Go to https://froggy101.radio.com/articles/toy-truck-parade to register.
If you get downtown, you won’t be disappointed.
Other holiday events
• Hot Cocoa with Santa hosted at Super Bounce in the Midway Shopping Center in Wyoming from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1
• Wyoming Borough Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, ending at the John Bolin Memorial Park for the tree lighting.
• Breakfast with Santa will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center
• Santa is coming to Ballyhoo on Luzerne Avenue in West Pittston from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Wyoming Free Library on Wyoming Avenue
• Pictures with Santa will be held at the American Breakfast with Santa hosted by St. Joseph Marello Hall and the Knights of Columbus 16701 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16
• Jenkins Twp. Children’s Christmas Party will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at the hose house
Reality of life
I know it’s a festive time of the year and we all have so much to do in preparation for the upcoming holidays. As the song goes, “it’s the happiest time of the year.”
For the most part, that is true, but in reality it’s not all happiness and joy. Some people have a hard time with the holidays and those who suffer from depression … well, the holidays could be a dark time.
In the last few weeks, two deaths of young, bright women have been attributed to depression. Depression is for real and it’s a serious matter.
My longtime friend David Granteed lost his daughter Kelsey a few weeks ago and, just this past week, another area young woman lost her life, as well. This is sad news at any time of year. Life for these two families will change forever.
There are agencies that can help. If you or someone you know is having issues, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Many of us know someone who ended their life and, after the fact, we all say, “I wish I could have reached out.” Hindsight does not help but keeping an eye on each other and being cognitive of change in our friends and loved ones just might save a life.
The Brickhouse Tavern, Dupont, will host a Suicide Awareness Benefit in memory of Kelsey Granteed from noon Saturday, Dec. 1 to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. If you get a chance, stop by to support the cause.
Quote of the week
“In order to act, you must be somewhat insane. A reasonably sensible man is satisfied with thinking.” – George Clemenceau, French statesman
Thought of the week
“In solitude, the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.” – Laurence Sterne, English writer
Bumper sticker
“Do not weep. Do not wax indignant. Understand.” – Baruch Spinoza, Dutch philosopher
