Roasting chestnuts? Count me in

With Thanksgiving behind us, the shopping fervor has begun, and just ahead, (and I mean just), are a multitude of holiday happenings beginning with Gardnerville's kickoff that starts at 5 p.m. today.

Last year's old-fashioned Christmas, complete with a holiday play and music performed by the Carson Valley Middle School band, has returned. The Town of Gardnerville Carson Valley Christmas Season Kickoff of 2005 seemed like it was welcomed and a long-time coming. The gathering was on a rain-chilled night - people huddled together sipping hot cider and chocolate, greeting each other beneath knitted caps and hoods. Those who knew each other seemed delighted to see their friends, and many spoke about how it reminded them of days gone by.

If you think it sounds like a painted picture so far, get this: Attendees were able to watch chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and some of us tasted them for the first time. It gave credence to The Christmas Song lyrics, composed by Mel Torme and Robert Wells in 1946, and yes, Jack Frost was nipping at our noses and we were dressed up like Eskimos, and there probably were kids from 1 to 92, and so on.

After the kickoff, comes the weekend celebrations, ranging from what have become holiday traditions, to some fairly new events.

I have counted about a dozen happenings going on from Friday to Sunday, with what could be considered the biggest (and brightest), the Parade of Lights on Saturday.

If you can, this is the weekend to stay in the Valley, because you will want to attend at least some, and perhaps all of the events. It's a great way to get in the Christmas spirit.

n Jo Rafferty is the People editor at The Record-Courier. She can be reached at jrafferty@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 210.