Wiscasset School Choir TheWiscasset School Choir leads the Christmas Carol sing at the town's Christmas tree lighting held at the Wiscasset Common, Saturday, December 8.

The spirit of Christmas and its meaning is alive and well in the Wiscasset area, with towns, each in their own way, keeping the old traditions alive in the minds of the young and the old.

Woolwich was the first in the area to open their Christmas season with a Christmas service and tree lighting December 2 at the Historic Nequasset Meeting House built in 1757. Every year different local residents are selected to light the tree. This year Bud and Betty Reed were selected to have that honor.

The tree lighting was followed by a program featuring local talent, including bagpiper Cliff Smith, fiddle solo by Charles Durfee, a duet by Clementine and Caddie Eberhart, a solo by Doug Protsik, and the reading of "T'was the Night before Christmas" by Ann Pierson. Sound effects to go along with the story are provided by the selectmen.

Selectman David King welcomed the guests, and thanked the townspeople for their support during his years on the board of selectmen. He received a standing ovation from the people who filled the meeting house. It was an emotional moment for the outgoing selectman.

Saturday, December 8, the town of Wiscasset held its traditional tree lighting and community sing-along at the Congregational Church.

The chorus members from the Wiscasset schools entertained the guests with the old-time Christmas carols, while the children made snowmen, and rolled around in the snow.

The Wiscasset High School cheer- leaders were on hand to help serve the refreshments following the ceremonies at Fellowship Hall.

The Morris Farm held an old-fashioned family holiday tradition Saturday, December, 8. The activities included gingerbread decorating; candle making; Ukrainian egg demonstrations; balsam pillow ornaments; taffy pull; a bake sale; and much more for people of all ages to enjoy.

Keeping with tradition, Sunday, December 9, Westport Island held their annual Christmas service at one of the town's historical sites, the Community Church, built in the mid 1800's. The old church was filled nearly to capacity for the service.

The Westport Island Community Association, under the direction of Georgia Sledge, presented the Christmas program. The program included readings from the Bible to tell the Christmas story, and singing of Christmas carols lead by the Westport Island Choir. Carol Blake played the piano.

Following the Christmas service the guests took the traditional walk to the town hall next door for coffee, hot chocolate, sweets, and to give neighbors and old friends an opportunity to meet and socialize.

Saturday morning, December 15, several parents and grandparents brought their children to have breakfast and meet Santa Claus at the Wiscasset Senior Center.

The children were greeted by Santa as they entered the room. Several of the children made it a point to tell him what they wanted him to bring to them for Christmas. Some sat on his lap, others were a little timid, and told him from a distance. One little girl brought a written list for Santa to read.

It was an enjoyable morning for everyone, the adults enjoyed a great breakfast, and the children enjoyed talking with Santa.

That old saying "Tis better to give than to receive" is being put into practice by many people in the area. The Santa Fund, sponsored by the town of Wiscasset, is just one of the efforts underway to make Christmas better for families in the area. Then there are the secret Santa "Clauses" who give their time and money anonymously to fulfill the needs of a family with donations of money, clothing, heating fuel, and food.

Happy Holidays to everyone!