JIM THORPE -- It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Jim Thorpe, especially these first three weekends of December. That's when the streets come alive for the borough's annual "Olde Time Christmas" tradition.
Last weekend kicked off this year's Olde Time Christmas in Jim Thorpe, where strolling carolers sing, Santa pops in on a train and takes pictures with children, and there's even a tradition of a gingerbread house contest.
"Olde Time Christmas is really family oriented," said Tawnie Rhodes. "It's really homey. It's really good. It reminds you that holidays aren't about stress and presents."
Rhodes moved to Jim Thorpe two years ago and never lived anywhere with such an elaborate Christmas celebration. This year she and her 10-year-old daughter built a gingerbread house for the contest.
"It was cool. We are going to do it next year and we will probably do it every year until she decides she is too old for it."
This part of the Olde Time Christmas celebration in Jim Thorpe is not only inspiring family traditions but it's also a way to give back to the community.
"It's a fundraiser for the Dimmick, for the library," said library director Rachel Hoff.
Hoff says even if people don't participate in the gingerbread house contest, she hopes many take the time to come out. There are only two more weekends left to enjoy Olde Time Christmas in Jim Thorpe.
"Come look at our decorations," Hoff suggested. "A lot of the merchants have beautiful window displays, and there is always something going on. I hear we are supposed to get some snow so it will make it even more magical."