Christmas is next week but people across our area are already getting into the holiday spirit.
A house of worship in Monroe County hosted a free meal.
The free dinner at Mount Pocono United Methodist Church was open to everyone in the community Sunday afternoon.
Besides providing food, organizers said the dinner is a way to bring people together during the holiday season.
“We realized that in times like these, people may be lonely. People may not have the means. People may not have the people around them, so we want to create the space, a safe environment for everyone to come and just have a good time,” said Rev. Samuel Kofiashaley.
Organizers tell us food not used for the dinner will be donated to other groups in Monroe County.
In Lackawanna County, children ate, danced, and celebrated during the annual Pat O’Malley free Christmas party at Keyser Valley Community Center in Scranton.
Preschoolers through fifth graders were invited to have a good time.
All of the children got a goodie bag and a picture with Santa.
This is the 11th year the county commissioner and his family hosted the party in Scranton.
The jolly old elf paid a visit to some kids in Luzerne County.
Hillside Farms near Lehman hosted the holiday event Sunday.
In addition to the visit from Santa, kids were also able to enjoy homemade s’mores, explore the greenhouses, and visit with the farm animals.
Organizers said the event is fun for the kids, and teaches them a lesson as well.
“We teach sustainable things, and one of the sustainable things would be to have kids come here, enjoy this outdoors, enjoy Santa, enjoy the spirit of Christmas and walk on this property that …, its actually theirs, so they're learning that people actually can do things that give back to the community,” said Dave Ayers.
The co-operative public farm in Kingston Township is run by volunteers.