Our Viewpoint

Did you feel that warm weather that hovered near 60 degrees this week? It's hard to believe that December is here when we are still experiencing that kind of weather. (I realize I probably just jinxed it and by the time you read this, we may have several inches of snow.)

The Thompson Falls Chamber (for which I am the secretary) has been busy helping coordinate the Christmas on Main Street events this week. The holiday stroll is tonight with caroling and the community tree lighting, then the ever-popular parade is Saturday. There are craft fairs almost every weekend, school concerts, special church services and myriad other holiday opportunities in the area this year.

I've been a little low on holiday spirit so far this year. But Monday, I helped string lights on the Thompson Falls community Christmas tree at Ainsworth Park. Seeing the bright lights shine in the dark of an early winter evening was pretty magical.

If you need to get in the holiday spirit but don't want to be around people, take a drive through the light display at the Sanders County Fairgrounds. My favorite was an animated decoration. Santa peeking out of an outhouse.

With all the struggles we had during the holiday season in 2020 due to the pandemic, we need to catch up this year and really let the merry and bright shine. Make the holidays in 2021 your own Hallmark Christmas movie. Come out of the struggles with triumph, gathering and joy.

—Annie Wooden