Every year in Maine's Prettiest Village, one of the warmest moments comes on a cold or somewhat cold evening: the tree lighting. For small town or any town nostalgia and holiday and community spirit, it is hard to beat the countdown to the lighting, and before that the schoolchildren's caroling on the steps of First Congregational Church at the top of the common.

The old church, with its columns and height and its place in Wiscasset history, is such a beautiful backdrop, one of those sights that could not be more perfect for gathering as darkness falls and lights help make the mood. 

Also part of the tradition, expect Santa Claus. He is sure to be at the tree lighting, Wiscasset Elementary School music teacher Carole Drury said in a press release about this Saturday's event and other planned holiday music performances and an art exhibit this month. Find the release in this edition and at wiscassetnewspaper.com. Drury has long served Wiscasset's schools and, from what I've seen over the years, only knows how to do a fantastic job. And she, the students and all others involved deliver only wonderful shows.

If you are in the holiday mood or trying to get into it, you will find it and many of your fellow residents at the common at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

You can also find the holiday spirit throughout Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest Dec. 6-8 and the other area events announced at wiscassetnewspaper.com and boothbayregister.com on our "Fall Into The Holidays" page.

Bundle up wherever you go, and enjoy.

Week's positive parting thought: Of course, as many a song and movie have said, the holiday spirit is in each of us. Look at old family photos, or volunteer or otherwise help a cause that matters to you, or call a loved one or old friend.

Maybe even all of the above, if you are able. Just know, you were, are and/or will be making someone else's Christmas or Hanukkah, etc. a better one with you in it, for hand in hand with this season of faith is its value also as a time for acknowledging and celebrating one another.