I hung out sheets Monday and they dried beautifully. I noticed three dandelions in the lawn. They are resilient. Consider that a modest garden report.

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December begins on Sunday, and with it the holiday season begins. During the month, many faith communities and cultures celebrate holidays, which is why it is appropriate at times to say the generic “happy holidays.” In addition, there is Festivus for the rest of us.

This is also the season to give thanks and honor the Indigenous people whose land we inhabit.

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In Amherst, the season kicks off with the lighting of the Merry Maple on Friday, Dec. 6 on the Town Common. The Amherst Regional Middle School chorus sings at 4:30 p.m., the lighting is at 5 p.m. The UMass Marching Band parades in at 5:30 p.m. leading a firetruck carrying Santa Claus.

In addition, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides from 4 to 6 p.m., an open house at the fire station from 3 to 6 p.m., and the Recreation Department will sponsor Flakey the Snowman and games for children from 3 to6 p.m.

There is a fee for refreshments.

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Shop local week is Dec. 1-7 in Amherst with special promotion days for small businesses on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7. The event is called the “Downtown Holiday Shopping Extravaganza,” with discounts up to 20% at local retailers.

Those who have lived in Amherst awhile will remember this was called Card Day. The newspapers  (Gazette and Bulletin) included a card that listed the merchants who participated. You showed the card when you made a purchase and a discount was given.

Northampton has reinstated its Bag Day shopping promotion. It was held last week with shoppers receiving a paper shopping bag for purchases at participating stores.

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Kelly Silliman of the Northampton Center for the Arts sent me an email about the fourth annual Artisan Fair that will be held Friday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center, which is at 33 Hawley St., will feature 60 artists and artisans. The event includes music and refreshments.

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