Christmas in Cardington begins Sunday, Dec. 13, when “12 Days of Community” kicks off.

The official lighting of the Legion Park kicked off the events. According to those organizing the events, this year will be the biggest and best light show yet.

Also released at the same time will be the Cardington Christmas Light scavenger hunt on the Facebook page. Participants are advised to make sure the hunt is filled in as they are looking at lights and decorations. Completed hunts are redeemable for a free cookie at Subway.

Day two, Monday, Christmas letters to Santa can be dropped off at the special box at the Cardington library where the Morrow County Chamber of Commerce has arranged to get them to the North Pole.

Members of the Post 97 of the American Legion are partnering with Operation Gratitude to get Christmas cards to the homes of veterans.

A card can be filled out and dropped at the library as well. The official 2020 Christmas in Cardington ornament can be purchased at Cardington Market, Bunker’s Mill Winery, Maceyko Tax and the Village Hair Smith.

A Garland of Kindness was created on the tree on the lower stage in the park on Tuesday, Day three. This demonstrates all the good deeds happening around the community this season.

It is suggested that some food be dropped off at the Blessing Box, or call a shut in or take a goodie package to the first responders. It can be any kind deed. Suggested is the making of a quick note of that kindess and place it on a garland strip and attach it to the chain on the tree. Strips will be available at local businesses or in the park.

On Day Four, some cheer will be spread with an old fashion treat or ornament swap. Leave some Christmas sweets, an ornament or decoration or maybe a funny White Elephant gift on the porch of a friend or neighbor.

You can leave your name or drop it anonymously but perhaps many busy elves will be visible as they give and receive Christmas cheer.

On Day Five, Dec. 17, there will be Christmas characters on the square and near the park in town at 6 p.m. for a mini drive-by Christmas in Cardington.

If you have your phone you can tune into Facebook Live for some visits with some of the local businesses who are here to support all of the Christmas needs.

On Friday, Dec. 18, it will be Christmas trivia time. There will be a virtual Christmas trivia contest when questions will be posted for people to answer with their friends or family and return them to Friends by e-mail. All entries will be placed in a hat and the winning family will get a pizza night courtesy of Suz-E-Q’s.

On Day seven, Saturday, Dec. 19, we hope you reflect on the things that matter in the community. Consider donating to a local charity, make a donation to the food pantry or blessing box or make a monetary donation to the Friends of Cardington to help continue its programs and events.

Fund raising events were not possible this year and many non-profits could really use the help. You may want to bring some baked goods or treats to local group homes, a nursing home, first responders, the library, the hospital, the post office and other essential businesses.

On Day eight, the winners of the 2020 Lights and Decorating Contest will take place at 7 p.m. on Facebook Live.

On the ninth day, gather the family around the fireplace and tune into Facebook for an evening reading of a Christmas story by a local teacher, Dawn Ruehrmund, at 7:30 p.m.

Day 10, Dec. 22: Santa Claus is visiting Cardington a little early this year for a final check of his naughty and nice list. He will be cruising town in style at dusk.

On Day 11, Wednesday, Dec. 23, a live Nativity scene can be observed from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Community (Legion) Park Drive by.

On Day 12, Christmas Eve, everyone is asked to “join us on your porch or front yard at 6 p.m. to be a part of the national minute of bell ringing followed by a candlelight singing of Silent Night.”

These events are planned and sponsored by Friends of Cardington and most can be viewed on Facebook.

By Evelyn Long

The Sentinel