Christmas is here

Christmas is in the air. It's also in the ink.

I didn't realize it when assigning stories for this week's entertainment section, but when I see it all laid out on paper, I noticed a distinct holiday lean.

Can you blame us? It is the most wonderful time of year, right?

With Happy Slapowitz's Toy Bash last night and several holiday concerts and fundraisers planned, we have not a boring moment between now and Christmas. Look at Sunday, when you can go see both the Pops concert and "Sister's Christmas Catechism."

Saturday, you can take the kids to see the Southeast percussion ensemble and Cape Girardeau Central Orchestra in a concert aimed at the children. The free show includes special effects, hot chocolate and cookies.

This show is the perfect introduction to theater because the youngsters don't have to sit quietly and observe. The lights stay up and the stage stays active.

Both the Oliver House in Jackson and the Glenn House in Cape Girardeau have decked their halls, adding a little more majesty to these already enchanting old homes.

The annual Christmas Country Church Tour will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Churches in Perry and Cape Girardeau counties open their sanctuary doors to welcome visitors. You'll see historic churches with elaborate or sometimes simply beautiful decorations.

The weather may be turning colder by the day, but the holiday events are always worth the effort.