Only 18 more sleeps.
Yes, Christmas is coming fast and holiday activities are ongoing around the Chemainus and Crofton area from now until the big day.
A couple of major events in Chemainus on the weekend put people into the holiday spirit.
Moonlight Madness brought hordes of people into the downtown area for a festive gathering and some great holiday shopping.
Weather conditions were quite different than last year when it snowed like crazy all day and into the Moonlight Madness activity from 4:30 to 7 p.m. For the most part, it was overcast with light rain this time.
“There was one period for about 20 minutes where we had quite a downpour,” said Krystal Adams, the marketing and events director for the Chemainus Business Improvement Association that organized the event.
“At that point, people seemed to retreat into the restaurants and stores.”
But they came back out when the rain slowed down to enjoy the festivities. Deep discounts and special racks were offered throughout the evening, spot prizes were awarded for those being in the right place at the right time and many people found themselves discovering things about Chemainus they didn’t know.
“We want to make sure people understand the wide array of stuff Chemainus has,” Adams stressed. “There’s such a variety in almost every store.”
Santa was also there to spread holiday cheer and have photos taken with the kids while carolers sang and a place was made available to warm up by the firepit.
The popular Holiday Passport program is also continuing until Dec. 15. Those with nine stamps on their passports, including five from different businesses among the 36 participants, will be eligible to win a gift basket with a value that started out at $250.
“I’m thinking it’s worth way more than that now,” noted Adams.
It was up bright and early Saturday morning for many people for Breakfast With Santa at Chemainus Elementary School.
“It was wonderful,” said principal Brenda Stevenson. “We had great attendance.”
The event was organized by the school’s Parent Advisory Council, with help from volunteers and numerous community organizations and businesses that make donations or support the cause. Food is always the biggest thing and many answered the call to meet those requirements.
“It really is a community supporting a community,” said Stevenson.
Santa was there again in all his glory, to the delight of the children.
Crofton is in the spotlight Sunday, with its annual parade starting at 7 p.m. at the Crofton Community Centre.