It was a very long day but full of excitement, except if you asked the kids sitting with their moms at the craft bazaar. They said they were bored.

But let's start with Breakfast with Santa; what a wonderful place to start. Seeing so many seniors volunteering at the center and making it all come together was exciting. Two full tables of goodies for sale, and I loved the decorations! Santa praised the 6th-grade girls that helped him; Markell Houle, Abbey Sietsema, Laurie Silvan, and London Keene. I love watching children meet Santa, from those who love him to the ones that are scared to death of him. Santa was a good one!

I walked down to the Bakery to get a good cup of coffee and saw people starting to come into Big Sandy. It wasn't a huge crowd, but it was always steady. I love the Christmas music coming from The Grocery store. You can hear it all over downtown. Michelle Danreuther also played her harp at the bazaar; incredible to listen to, but my favorite music was watching as she accompanied children to sing their favorite Christmas songs. I wish I could have gone to Pep's and listened to the music. I love saxophone music, and a saxophone playing Christmas music would have ended the day perfectly!

One girl couldn't get everywhere, but the Big Sandy Library had activities for kids during the stroll. Which shouldn't surprise anyone as it is an intrachol part of our community.

Before shopping at the bazaar, I had to return to the Mountaineer to make my Christmas list; I'm that far behind! I always buy some Chocolates from Karma Kandies Hale, and because I love rocks, I always stop and visit with Glenn Braun before purchasing two gifts. I talked with Reggie Jappe; her table in the corner was stacked high with things she had sewed! Contact her; she has plenty. And if you want hand-knitted socks talk to Sheri Moore. I couldn't help myself; I had to bid at the class of 2023's table because I have a granddaughter in that class. And I always buy a chance at the Catholic's table, hoping someday to win the naivety set. And I always buy something at the Methodist Woman's table, was excited to purchase a Nativity picture made by Michele Sternberg. Seeing the Boy Scouts selling Lefse was fun, raising awareness that they are still here. Ladybug Shop will have products. Look it up on Facebook. And how about Montana Mommy made-freeze-dried sweets!!

And do I need to say anything about fry bread? It will take them to the Native American Classics, a Basketball tournament in Billings.

I was happy to see several vehicles at the Edwards Gallery. I purchased a photo as a gift this year. He has two big pictures of the Bullwhacker. You must know that picture.

OK, not generally involved with the Christmas stroll was this year's community play at 3:00. I'm always surprised by how good it is. I knew the ending, though, when we discovered the father's body was never found. He was alive and wanted to find out how his children would respond. My granddaughter's part... I loved it. She was funny!

What is there to say about small-town parades? I love them. Please remind me to have a float next year! I need volunteers to help me. This year would have been perfect for a float with lights of the real miracle of Christmas, a nativity scene. I just ran out of time. If anyone reading this enjoyed the small parade and would volunteer to help me next year. Give me a call. I want to thank Rotary and the Grocery Store for entering this year's parade and the firetruck that will always have the most lights. When they win, they just add more lights to the already incredible lighted-up colored firetruck! And I loved, loved the fireworks at the end! To me, fireworks are better in the snow.

The fire hall was packed. Every button purchased. The benches were auctioned off. And the prizes were given. Winning the adult grand prize of a $2,000 gift certificate from a furniture store was Breezy Baumgarn. And the child's grand prize is a motorized Jeep was won by the Barnes's .

Just because the day is over doesn't mean you can't still shop locally from the vendors. Sheri Moore didn't get her coffee, so be watching for an open house. Char baby clays will soon have a Facebook page, so watch for that too.