Age Group 3-4 Years:

Brooklyn Noffke of Pierson age 4

Age Group: 5-7 Years

Kyle Root of Cedar Springs age 7

Age Group: 8-10 Years

Prizes will be ready for pick up on Monday December 24th at our office located at 36 E. Maple St. in Cedar Springs. The POST will be open from 10am-2pm on Monday, December 24 and closed on Tuesday, December 25.

Safety tips:

Trees and Decorations

Buying live trees? Check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, its needles are hard to pull from branches, and its needles do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

Setting up a tree at home? Place it away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators. Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to monitor water levels daily, and keep the tree stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of foot traffic, and do not block doorways with the tree.

Buying an artificial tree? Look for the label: “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean that the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate that the tree is more resistant to catching fire.

Decorating a tree in homes with small children? Take special care to avoid sharp, weighted, or breakable decorations. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children, who could swallow or inhale small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.

Candles

Keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room, or leave the house.

Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface where kids and pets cannot reach them or knock them over. Lighted candles should be placed away from items that can catch fire, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.

Lights

Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Lights for both indoor and outdoor usage must meet strict requirements that testing laboratories are able to verify. On decorative lights available in stores, UL’s red holographic label signifies that the product meets safety requirements for indoor and outdoor usage. UL’s green holographic label, signifies that the product meets requirements for only indoor usage.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets and do not use electric lights on a metallic tree.

Check each extension cord to make sure it is rated for the intended use and is in good condition. Do not use cords with cuts or signs of fraying.

Check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.

Fireplaces

Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown onto wood fires. Fire salts contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting, if swallowed. Keep them away from children.

Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result because wrappings can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

There’s nothing like the warm glow of Christmas lights this time of year to give you a good dose of Christmas cheer! Below is just a sampling of the many beautiful displays in our area. Pack up the kids, go for a ride, and enjoy the decorations your friends and neighbors have put up this year. We’re sure you’ll find a few other treasures along the way! Others to see:

427 Northland Drive, near the corner of South Street and Northland. See the 90-foot evergreen Christmas tree at the Reep family home.

65 E. Muskegon, corner of First and Muskegon Streets. The home of Larry and Audrey Young is a classic home decorated with style.

Downtown Cedar Springs is aglow with lights, as is the Christmas tree at the corner of Main and Ash.

345 Tall Grass Drive in the Prairie Run subdivision just off Pine Street. Pretty angels and many lights! There are many other homes in Prairie Run with beautiful lights as well.

Fieldstone Meadow subdivision, just east off 18 Mile at the curve NE of town, has many beautifully decorated homes.

6810 17 Mile Road, near Stout. The home of Don and Pat Reed.

A barn on Myers Lake Road near 15 Mile is sure to make you smile!

3570 Fernfield Drive, inside the Cedarfield Manufactured Home Community.

The corner of Beech and Maple Streets in Sand Lake—two homes right on the corner light up the whole town! The kids will love it.

Thanks to those of you who called or sent in your info!

Dear Santa,

My name is Ayden Isaacson and I am 7 month old, So this is my first Christmas. I would really like a kids quad, any learning toys, and new Sippy Cups with handles. Thank you Santa.

Love,

Ayden

Dear Santa,

I would like a dog, and cat blanket, I want a dog, cat and zebra stuffed animal, some make-up and a real flower that that I can water and take care of.

Some nail polish in all different colors, and a puppy on a kitty chain

that’s my size, and a picture of you, a stuffed animal pluto. A zebra and dog and cat zo-zo pet. A heart bed for my Kitty tiger and a square bed for my dog little-bit

Emily McCauley

!

Dear Santa,

My name is Eligah I want a spiderman helment, x-box 360, car track and a flying airplane with a controller, new blanket and teddybear . thank you

Eligah Malone

Dear Santa

Lorax movie princess

and the Pauper

and I want a castle with a flag on top

with princess with it.

 Love Taylor

Age 6

To Santa form Madison McCauley age 7

a big big big card board box

a princess house-big with a princess

a bed

a zebra and cheata dress mix

a lapdorad

a rianbow wand

mack up

ponys

a cat dress-fore tigger

a new mermade

a rain bow dress for me

a bow with the pont at the top

a camrah

a littedoll

a strebar short cack doll

a roodoff the red nose raindeer

a dollhouse

a cathouse

a dog house

a ninga soute

flowers that never die

300 christmas cards

a mouse fore tigger-and string

a necklish

dog treats

26 dream lights

orbeas

a kun fow pandd dall

Celebrate the joy of Christmas at one of the churches in our community:

 Dec. 16, 18, 22: Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main, Cedar Springs, will present their Children’s Christmas Program on Sunday, December 16 at 10:30 a.m. with a retelling of the book, “This is the Star,” and a musical performed by the Kids Choir called “Aaron, the Allergic Shepherd.” On December 18, at 7 p.m., they will hold their Blue Christmas Service, a service of hope and healing for those who have a difficult time during the holiday season, such as death of a loved one, divorce, strained family relationships, and more. Childcare will be provided. On December 24, Christmas Eve Worship will be at 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Both services will include Holy Communion and candlelighting. At 7:00 p.m. nursery care will be available for kids up to 3 years old, and there will be a special Children’s Time. At 10:00 p.m. A brass ensemble will play our favorite Christmas music as we gather together.

Dec.21, 23: Come to Cedar Springs Christian Church on Friday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m., to enjoy a barn wood sanctuary of twinkling lights, sing Christmas Carols, and watch children reenact the Holy Nativity. Free refreshments! A free will offering will be received to bless one local family for Christmas. The Church is located on the campus of Creative Technologies Academy; 340 W. Pine Street. We are collecting non-perishable food items, socks, mittens and coats of all sizes, through the end of January. Also, Sunday, Dec. 23, 10:30 a.m., the sermon is “The Spirit of Giving.” Call 696-1180, and leave a message. Visit us online:  www.cedarspringschristianchurch.org

Dec. 23, 24: Join us at The Springs Church for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Monday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Feel free to come as you are. There will be glo-sticks for the kids. The Sunday, Dec. 23 message (at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.) is part of the series “Journey to Bethlehem.” We are located on the corner of Oak & First Streets in Cedar Springs. For more information visit our website www.thespringschurch.info or call 616.696.2970.  We hope to see you at The Springs this Christmas!

Dec. 23, 24: Experience the JOY of God with us at Solon Center Wesleyan Church! Worship Service Sunday, December 23 at 11 a.m. and our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Monday, December 24 at 6 p.m. Bring the family and experience the Joy! The church is located at 15671 Algoma Ave., just north of 19 Mile Rd.

Dec. 23, 25: Pioneer Christian Reformed, located at 3110 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, will hold a candlelight service on Dec 23, at 6 p.m. and a Christmas Day Service on Dec 25, at 10 a.m.

Dec. 23, 24: Visit Calvary Assembly of God on Sunday, December 23, for the latest message in a series titled “Fear Not!” based on the four statements from the angels. They are also holding candlelight services at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The church is located at 810 17 Mile Road.

Dec. 23: South Ensley and Sand Lake United Methodist Churches will hold a joint Sunday evening service at 7 p.m. December 23, at South Ensley called “A light has come!” The Sunday morning message (Dec. 23) will be titled “Jesus’ wish list.” South Ensley is located at 13600 S. Cypress, Sand Lake, and Sand Lake UMC is located at 65 W. Maple Street, Sand Lake.

Dec. 24: Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Drive, in Sand Lake, will have a Christmas Eve Candle Light service at 7 p.m.

Dec. 23, 24: Hillcrest Community Church will have a Christmas Eve candle light service at 6:30 pm. on Christmas Eve, December 24. The Sunday, December 23 message is titled “A birth party” and begins at 10:45 a.m. The church is located at 5994 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs.

Dec. 24: Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church will celebrate a Candlelight Service, on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 7:00 p.m. Light a candle, sing a song, ring a bell, celebrate grace! The church is located at 10295 Myers Lake Ave., just south of 13 Mile Rd.

Dec. 24: Holy Spirit Episcopal Church will have a Christmas eve service at 7 p.m. December 24. The church is located at 1200 Post Drive NE, 
Belmont. Call
(616)784-1111 or visit www.holyspiritbelmont.org.

There’s nothing like the warm glow of Christmas lights this time of year to give you a good dose of Christmas cheer! One of our readers sent in the photo above of a barn on Myers Lake Road near 15 Mile. It’s sure to make you smile! Below is just a sampling of the many beautiful displays in our area. Pack up the kids, go for a ride, and enjoy the decorations your friends and neighbors have put up this year. We’re sure you’ll find a few other treasures along the way!

Others to see:

1. 427 Northland Drive, near the corner of South Street and Northland. See the 90-foot evergreen Christmas tree at the Reep family home.
2. 65 E. Muskegon, corner of First and Muskegon Streets. The home of Larry and Audrey Young is a classic home decorated with style.
3. Downtown Cedar Springs is aglow with lights and decorations on the lampposts, and the Christmas tree and a nativity scene will start tonight at the corner of Main and Ash.
4. 345 Tall Grass Drive in the Prairie Run subdivision just off Pine Street. Pretty angels and many lights! There are many other homes in Prairie Run with beautiful lights as well.
5. The corner of Beech and Maple Streets in Sand Lake—two homes right on the corner light up the whole town! The kids will love it.

Send us your home or homes you’ve seen to news@cedarspringspost.com.

Would you like to do something special for families in need this Christmas? You can partner with us to provide toys for needy children in Kent County. The Post is participating in the Toys for Tots program again this holiday season, as a drop off site for toys.

Toys for Tots is a volunteer organization whose goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys for kids 0-16, and distribute them to children who would not otherwise receive a gift during the holiday season. Toys for teens are always needed.

The program runs now through the first two weeks of December. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy to our office at 36 E. Maple Street in Cedar Springs, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you can’t make that time, call us to make other arrangements.

Together we can make this Christmas special for many children!

The tree lighting in downtown Cedar Springs is an annual event. Post photo by J. Reed.

What do hundreds of cookies, candy canes and cups of hot chocolate all have in common? All were served at last weekend’s Mingle with Kris Kringle event and all consumed by festive attendees—right down to the last crumb.

“The event turned out really well,” noted Shawn Kiphart, president of the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. “We estimate we had 600 to 700 people, which was double what we anticipated.”

The event, hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Community Action Network, started early in the day with sales at shops up and down Main Street, and culminated late in the day with the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the community Christmas tree, at the corner of Ash and Main Streets.

Also appearing at the event was a live nativity scene from Calvary Assembly of God, and the Cedar View Elementary Choir. Mayor Bob Truesdale emceed the event. “I’d like to thank him for doing that,” said Kiphart. “He did a great job.”

A tent was set up this year for Santa, and it was a big hit. “The line was long but it moved pretty quickly,” noted Kiphart.

He said he can already think of some improvements for next year, such as providing a stage and a speaker system for the choir, and bringing in Santa earlier in the day and having him stay for an extended period. “That would give more people the chance to see him,” explained Kiphart.

He said that comments from attendees have been positive. “Many people said it was really nice to see everyone out and about. Everyone seemed to have a great time.”

It’s that time of year again, when kids can’t wait to mail their letters to Santa! To help parents out, the Cedar Springs Post has set up a special North Pole drop box. Every year dozens of kids use our special box for express delivery to the North Pole, and we make sure Santa reads each and every one! So, if you’d like to send a letter to Santa, and maybe get it printed in the newspaper, just drop off your letter in the bright red box labeled “Santa Mail” outside our office at 36 E. Maple Street, or mail your letter to: Letters to Santa, c/o the Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Dear Santa,
I have been a good girl this year. How is the reindeer?
I want a baby alive, fever, walking baby alive, a kitchen, clothes, strawberry shortcake doll, easy bake oven, art supplies, easel, stroller for my babies.

Love,
Harley Parcher
Age 4

Santa is coming to town
Make your list… check it twice!
Monster Jam PS3
movie
Big Monster Truck
J-D tractor
J-D doc
J-D Plow
Sweat Pants

Hunter Rish age 9

Santa is coming to town
Make your list… check it twice!
Ice Age 4 PS3
Ice Age movie
Big Monster Truck
J-D tractor
J-D baler
J-D wagon
Ice age Toys
Rudolph Guys

Justin Rish age 7

Santa is coming to town
Make your list… check it twice!
PS3 Game
Movie
Big Monster Truck
J-D tractor
J-D chopper
J-D wagon
Sports Bag
Bats

Blake Rish age 5

Dear SAntA,
I hAve been a good
I wAnt A grown up cAmeRA
I wAnt A LAp top AnD eAsy bAKe oven AnD some movies High School Musical 1-2-3 Skrek 3, And jewelry box And stuffed Animal DoRA and gAmes.
Aubrey Parcher
7 yrs.

Dear Santa,
My name is Emme, I am 4 years old and I have been pretty good.
I would like a D.S. and a couple of games.
That is all I can think of for now.
Please make sure you feed the riendeer so they can make it to my house.
Love,
Emme

Dear Santa,
I know you keep a great big list of who is naughty and who is nice. I’m on the nice list because I’ve been really good this year. My room is really clean, and I almost always made my bed. I tried to do all my chores, and I did my homework before I played, watched TV or went on the computer.
Please come to my house on Christmas Eve and bring me:

wish list

1. 3DS X1 Blue

2. a fan

3. games

4. Snowbord

5. lava lamp

6. i Pod

7. 3Axle Semi

8. Statue of Santa

You and all the elves are the best. Thanks for making all the kids around the world so happy at Christmas.
Love,
Brice Skelonc

Dear Santa,
My name is Jaleak
and I am 6 years old. All
I want for Christmas is some monster trucks, lego set, 5 Angery birds, 3 bey blades, a PSP, teek deck bike, a mimi DS for Christmas
Love, Jaleak Lee
age 6

Dear Santa,
My name is Nakarrion
I have been a very good boy this year. I would love some monster trucks, a video game, legos, and help for my family to have a happy Christmas.
Thank you
See you soon
Love
Nakarrion Lee
Age 4

Dear Santa
i dont want alot maybe a mp3 player or a phone but i want you to deliver a message to my dad you see he died feb,7,11 and i want he to know i know it’s not his falt he left oh and i want you to help my mom get better her back hurt’s alot and the doctors cant help it but that is all i want for Christmas

Love Joann Hale
age 13

Dear. Santa I would
like a crossbow or a conpond bow. I would like a I Phone
5. also a I Pode tutch.
Thats all I
want thiss
year
Santa.
Love Daniel Jr. (Menefee)

Dear Santa,
I want a trampaline
anD a Dirt Bike
anD a remote control car anD a grown up sister!
Love Schorian (Menefee)

Dear Santa I want a new
phone. I pod. Password
Journal.
Love
Mikaylla
Marie
Menefee

Dear Santa,
I have been a good boy.
I want a R/C Car and nerf gun with bulletts. I want A PS3 game and pellet gun and a football and basketball.

Joseph Parcher III
Age 8

Hey kids,

This Gingerbread house needs some color! Will you help? Please color with crayons, markers or colored pencils. There will be 1 winner from three age groups: 3-4 years; 5-7 years; and 8-10 years.

Winners will be announced in the December 20th issue of The Cedar Springs Post. So hurry, all Gingerbread Houses have to be at The Post by Monday, December 17, 2012 by 5:00 p.m.

Rules:

1. Only one entry per child.

2. Only one winner per family.

3. We are not responsible for lost mail.

4. All entries must be at our office by December 17 by 5pm.

5. Use only crayons, markers or colored pencils.

Please deliver entries to: 36 E. Maple St., Cedar Springs

Or mail to: Christmas Coloring Contest

P.O. Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319