Over 1,000 well wishers were on hand Friday, Nov. 16 as the city of Newberry kicked off the Christmas season by lighting up downtown Newberry.

This year is so very different than previous years due in large part to Joyce Vigus. There were requests for improvements, voices were heard, and Mayor Foster Senn and city council asked Vigus if she would canvas local residents and shop owners and ask for donations to replace the decorations adorning our local Newberry Christmas tree. What an outstanding job Vigus did. Not only does the tree look outstanding, but Community Hall’s outside decorations have also seen a great improvement.

Newberry is lit up.

Move ahead in time one week and we enter the official shopping season. One day after Thanksgiving has been labeled Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year.

This year, your chamber is asking all Newberry County residents to “Shop Newberry County first.”

Throughout our county, in every city and town, unique gifts are waiting to be discovered. Why not take a few minutes and search locally for that special gift you cannot find in the big box stores?

When you do, you are accomplishing several things: number one, unique gifts are appreciated much more; number two, every time you shop locally instead of getting on the interstate you are saving money on gasoline; number three, your tax dollars stay right here in Newberry County helping Newberry County residents.

In reality, you are helping yourself every time you make a purchase within the county.

So let’s look at what is left of 2012. Starting on Saturday, Dec. 1, your chamber is sponsoring a Christmas Tour of Homes. Liz has worked all year in selecting just the right homes designed to give you ideas for your very own decorations. The tour starts at 4 p.m. and will end at 7 p.m. A ticket will cost $20 per person and each ticket will display the houses as well as a map with directions. Please make every effort to attend.

Also, on Friday, Dec. 14, you do not want to miss A Vintage Christmas in downtown Newberry. This year, Santa will come down Main Street on a tractor arriving on the square to share photographic moments with everyone. Shops will be open, so take advantage and look for additional unique gifts, only found in Newberry.

Yes, the next few weeks are going to be very busy, but please take time to remember the reason for celebrating. Over 2,000 years ago, a Savior was born, Jesus Christ. Honor the birth.