Happy Holidays!

Eileen Alexander here filling in for Sasha Eisele, who has flown the coop to points south! There are still a couple of days left for you shoppers who haven't checked off all the items on your list yet. Don't forget to buy local to keep your dollars circulating here in the North Country.

Along with shopping for just the right gifts, one of the joys of the holiday season for me is driving around looking at the Christmas lights that adorn so many homes and businesses. Subtle, sparkling, garish, traditional, outlandish, patriotic -- they are all out there, and all equally delightful at this dark time of year (I know, I know -- the days started getting longer earlier this week, but c'mon...it's going to be at least the end of January before we notice any real difference!).

Early last week I headed into Groveton from the north and was treated to a wonderful display of lights on all the poles in the downtown area - it's quite a spectacular feast for the eyes!

I've been back and forth through Bethlehem a lot recently, and really like the thousands of lights that decorate a house and yard and lots of outbuildings near the bottom of the long hill on Route 302 between downtown Bethlehem and Littleton. These folks must have spent hours putting the finishing touches on all the trees and shrubs and roofs and doorways and windows. It's definitely a destination for anyone who'd like to see what you can do if you have thousands of Christmas lights at your disposal. There are also a couple of houses on Route 142 between Whitefield and Bethlehem that are worth taking a look at -- you'll know them when you see them! One caution -- these folks seem to be of the early to bed, early to rise mind, as I haven't seen the lights on after 8 p.m.

I always enjoy the Pinkhams' yard and the house just across from them on Brown Street in Whitefield. Mr. Pinkham always puts up a fabulous display, and while he's no longer able to do the work, it looks like family members are carrying on the tradition. And, while you're in Whitefield, take a look at the brightly lit house on Jefferson Road, just up from the Post Office. Another extravaganza of twinkling lights!

Mechanic Street in Lancaster is short in length, but long in Christmas spirit, with a couple of houses and yards that can compete with the best of them in terms of light power! Take a peek and see if you agree.

Those are a couple of my favorites. What are yours?

On a slightly different note, the pastry chef at the Mountain View Grand has created an enormous gingerbread model of the famous hotel. Check it out in the lobby!

To one and all, wishes for a very happy holiday season from all of us at the Arts Alliance.