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By CHRIS LARABEE

From 1952 to 2008, children in Deerfield had an opportunity to write letters to Santa Claus and, after some time, a letter from the big man himself would be sent back to the child.Now, decades later after many of the letters were likely forgotten, a...

By THE REV. JASON A. BURNS

It always amazes me at how quickly the joy and excitement of the Christmas season subsides. I suspect it is because the joy of Christmas does not come from the virgin birth, from shepherds in their fields, from kings following a star, or from angels singing with the heavenly hosts. It isn’t about the beautiful decorations, the gorgeous music, the happiness of seeing and being with family, or watching our children open gifts from Santa. All of these wonderful things are byproducts of the fact that God lives among us.

By DOMENIC POLI

Wondering what to do with that Christmas tree now that it’s 2025? Well, at least two Franklin County entities have programs in place to take those festive symbols off your hands.The Greenfield Department of Public Works will remove Christmas trees...

During the holiday season, the average American family disposes of 25% more trash than they usually do, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As much of this waste can be reused, recycled or composted, the Franklin County Solid Waste...

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

GREENFIELD — Serving up holiday spirit, members of the Greenfield Elks Lodge delivered 50 boxes of food on Saturday to residents in need of a Christmas dinner. “It’s part of what we all do around here — it’s an organization that donates to charity,”...

By THE REV. DR. CHRIS DAVIES

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was radical — a prophet, even, in a world that offered little hope for an unwed pregnant teenager.For many Christians, Sunday, Dec. 22 is the Fourth Sunday of Advent — the day that symbolizes love — wherein Mary’s song of...

As he gets ready to deliver presents next week, Santa Claus will cruise through Franklin County this weekend with two parades, all while collecting last-minute letters up in Bernardston.Both parades will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, with festivities...

By SHERYL HUNTER

The countdown is on! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, your big day will be here soon.Most holiday parties have passed, but if you are still looking to hear some seasonal sounds, there are a few chances left.Tonight (Thursday, Dec....

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — Santa Claus paid a visit to the Pioneer Valley Veterinary Hospital on Saturday to take photos with families and their pets to help raise money for the K-9 units of the Montague and Greenfield Police departments.This tradition at the...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — As if from a much milder scene in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” two members of the Orange Fire Department found a squirrel surprise after investigating some suspicious activity in a family’s Christmas tree.Capt. James Hopkins and...

By PASTOR BENJIMAN DURFEE

During the last two months of the year, we’re usually overwhelmed with messages to be jolly, we’re expected to show up for events with cheerful smiles, and we’re constantly surrounded by the joyous sounds of the holiday season. And while this is a...

By JACOB NELSON

The Christmas season, for people who celebrate, tends to be full of traditions. Maybe it’s watching the same corny holiday movies every year. Maybe it’s making Grandma’s special cookies, a yellowing index card with her faded cursive handwriting...

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

MONTAGUE – Santa’s making a shopping list and checking it twice before visiting It’s A Wonderful Night in Turners Falls and Millers Falls Magic this weekend.It’s A Wonderful Night in Turners FallsOn Friday, Dec. 13, shops along Avenue A and Third...

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — Joe Dulude II as “Mr. Drag” and the rest of his drag family return with a fresh take on the story of “A Christmas Carol” during Eggtooth Productions’ eighth annual holiday drag show called “Home for the Holi-gays” this...

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

Moonlight Magic is back for its 39th year of celebrating light and community. The annual festival will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29 in downtown Shelburne Falls. The village will  be transformed into a winter wonderland where visitors can view...

By DOMENIC POLI

The Giving Back Together Toy Drive is gearing up for its 11th year and founder Heather Taylor said the charitable effort is extremely low on gifts to give to youngsters up to 18 years of age.The Athol resident started the toy drive to ensure no child...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — The Orange Merchants Group has opened the seventh annual lamppost-decorating competition’s contestant field to include local families.The tradition that had previously been reserved for Orange businesses and organizations will have more...

By DOMENIC POLI

Heather Taylor made it her mission years ago to ensure no child goes without a gift on Christmas. But in order to make that happen, she needs to start in the summer.The Athol resident has scheduled a series of Giving Back Together Toy Drive...

By BELLA LEVAVI

The Leyden Recreation Department decks the streets with boughs of holly for the Christmas program it hosts annually, partnering with the Leyden Firefighters Association and the library for some seasonal fun.Since the beginning of the pandemic these...

By TINKY WEISBLAT

Cookie season has arrived. I don’t bake a lot of cookies in warm weather. For one thing, I’m loath to turn on the oven when it’s hot. For another, we don’t feel the need for cookies when we have sunshine and fresh produce.When the shortening of the...