1. In Canton, the holiday season started in early December with the annual tree lighting at Town Hall on Thursday December 2.  Santa came by for a visit with the kids, and the caroling was provided by a group from the Canton High School and the 8^th grade choruses, and led by Sarah Collmer, Coordinator of Performing Arts for the Canton School District.  Also performing were members of a dance troupe from Dance Out, a dance academy located in Canton.  The group of five, Sophie Le, Briana Murphy, Kayla Kleinbauer, Jayna Wolfe and Angela Jenkins-Sutton overcame technical difficulties with smiles, and offered a crowd-pleasing holiday dance piece. 

2.     The big guy in red also appeared at the Canton Public Library on December 10and he was, as always, a big hit.

3.     The Canton Garden Club held its annual Holiday House Tour on December 3 and December 4. This year's theme was "Joys of Christmas."  The Canton locations decorated for the holidays by members of the Garden Club included three homes, a condominium and a great room. 

4.     The Garden Club also offered live greens and arrangements for sale over the weekend of December 3and December 4.

5.     On December 11, the Canton Choral Society performed their Holiday Pops Concert starting at the Canton Town Club.  There were light appetizers, soft drinks, coffee, tea and desserts.  

6.     For a shopping and musical experience, members of the Canton Community Theater were caroling at the Village Shoppes at Cobb Corner Saturday December 18and Sunday December 19. Who says you can't have both live music and retail?

7.     Kids got into the spirit of the season with the Winter Crafts session for kids at The Canton Public Library on Saturday December 18^.

8.     The Canton Choral Society's final Holiday performance was  Saturday at the Dedham Savings Bank.

9.     The United Church of Christ in Canton presented The Living Nativity on Sunday.  Youth of the church present the Christmas Story along with congregational Christmas carols and Christmas readings. 

10.  For a terrific musical respite from your holiday list, don't miss the Canton High School Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at the high school. The concert will feature the Canton High chorus, a capella group, band and jazz band.  These talented kids will get you right into the spirit.

11.  And, for a unique and special holiday gift with both a music and Canton connection, purchase one of the Arline McEneny's compilation CDs available through her son, Phil. You can help fund a scholarship for students who wish to continue in the musical arts. Lee was a much beloved music teacher and supporter of music and young artists in the community.  Her family has made a compilation of her work available on CD. Call Phil McEneny directly at 781-910-0511 to arrange delivery. You have a wonderful stocking stuffer!

New Year's Celebrations:

12.  If you need a jumpstart in 2011, the Galvin Middle School performs on Wednesday January 5, 2011.

13.  Help the Luce School build a playground by going to the see the Fall River-based girl group, The Varsity Girls, at Canton High School at 7:00 p.m. on January 14, 2011. Tickets are $15 each and $20 at the door the night of the show. VIP tickets are $25 and will let you sit in the front of the auditorium and give you access to a meet and greet with the band. Tickets can be purchased at any Canton public school or at the Coldwell Banker office in Canton.