I love snow. I don’t even mind the cold. I love the quiet hush that falls over the town when it’s blanketed in white. I love to see how Mother Nature coats the trees and shrubs — and even my patio wind chimes and backyard swing — in a frosty covering. I love to see children sledding, and people of all ages with noses and cheeks flushed pink with the cold. I love how “Merry Christmas” sounds even more festive when spoken as snowflakes fall. I love the sound of snow scrunching underfoot on my way to the mailbox. I love how the snow brightens even the darkest nights and how Christmas lights seem to sparkle even more on a snowy winter night. I love the sound of wood crackling in the fireplace and how the sight of the flames and the warmth of their glow makes me feel comforted. I love flannel pajamas and big fluffy slippers and hot chocolate in a mug. I love the smell of Christmas trees and the sound of sleigh bells hanging on the front door. I love Christmas music from every generation and fully intend to have myself a merry little Christmas.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. We worry about the bills, the weather report for our morning commute, the crowded stores, long lines at the post office... hurrying everywhere and enjoying little.

I invite you all to make your own list of everything you love about this time of year, and check it twice when things get a little too hectic between now and the new year.

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My husband, the North Dakota native and the one who shovels and plows the snow that lands on our driveway and sidewalks, doesn’t share my love of snow. We just agree to disagree.

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Welcome to the two newest members of the Main Street Birthday Club, Aniyah Rosalie Colbert and Rocky J Shaver. Aniyah was born on Saturday, Nov. 25 to Marcus Colbert and Kathleen (Kat) Clancy. She’s the first grandchild of Marsell and Amy Colbert and Guy and Amy Clancy. Aniyah’s great-grandparents are Alan and Joanne Hildebrant, Mike and Angie Clancy, Ted and Anna Page and Dee Moore.

Rocky arrived on Monday, Nov. 27, the fifth child of Albert and Elizabeth Davis, joining siblings Harley, Covelli, Ezekiel and Jack. Rocky is grandchild No. 40 for Linda and Robert Davis! His maternal grandparents are John and Patti Shaver.

Whether the first or the 40th, these babies already have a wonderful village of people who love them. Welcome to the world!

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Why shop local? Local businesses pay local taxes, provide paychecks, donate and contribute to organizations and events throughout the year. If not for local businesses, who would be donating to the auctions, raffles, scholarships, grad night parties, senior centers, charitable causes, youth sports sponsorships, etc.? This Christmas season, let your gift giving pay it forward in our communities ...SHOP LOCAL!

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Things to Do Highlights: Tonight, free admission for the North Idaho Youth Symphonies Winter Concert at the Kroc, 7 p.m.

Friday at Post Falls City Hall, from 6 to 8 p.m., Winterfest for the family includes tree lighting and Santa Claus. There’s caroling around the historic organ at the Post Falls Historical Museum. Next door, the Post Falls Chamber’s River City Leadership Academy Alumni host a Pajama Drive Party from 4 to 6 p.m. to benefit the Post Falls Police Department’s OASIS program

Also on Friday, the City of Rathdrum celebrates Christmas on Main Street with the tree lighting at City Hall at 5 p.m. and the annual lighted parade at 6 p.m.

Saturday at 10:30 a.m., the Trail Maniacs’ Ugly Sweater Run starts at St. Vincent de Paul H.E.L.P Center on Harrison Avenue. The 3-mile run will end at Daft Badger with prizes for the best-dressed runners. No entry fee, but donations of gently used coats, sweaters and blankets for those in need are appreciated.

The Post Falls Chamber’s Post Fallidays Tiny Tree auction and brunch happens at the Post Falls Senior Center, 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, the Annual Hayden Lights Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony starts with the parade at 5 p.m., Christmas music by Hayden Elementary School Choirs (Atlas and Hayden Meadows) and a visit from Santa in the council chambers at City Hall.

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Happy birthday today to Gary Ingram, Carol Ann Eachon and Jodine Spry. Tomorrow Kevin Ekness, Larry Quimby, Carol Kreighbaum, Raine Solberg, Carolyn Walker (30!), Shirley Thagard, Kevin Krieg and Cindy Scinto take another trip around the sun. The first day of December will find Chris Pappas, Marge Chadderdon (80!), Jay Bremner, Emily Castle and Connie Price putting on their party hats. Saturday birthdays will be celebrated by Brandi Hague-Little, Hope Connally, Lois Holom and Wally Adams. On Sunday, Joyce Ekness, Carol Fairhurst, Sandra King, Brittany Teverbaugh, Norbert Vedder and Jennifer Keefe will blow out their candles. Carrie Ward, Bob Brooke, Tina McWhorter, Bayley Brooks (20!), Dirk Fredekind, Doug Shevalier and Barry Corigilano will get their party on come Monday. Sharing a December 5 birthday are Jennifer McGrath (50!), Sharlene Scott, Marna Bateman, Annette Barstow and Anita Banta.

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Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.