Christmas time is here … filled with love and cheer.  And you sure can see it over on Rio Lane.

Every year the folks who live on this circle in the north end of St.Catharines go all out to bring smiles to the faces of the people who visit them.  Starting on the first Advent weekend, all the homes and the circle are aglow with twinkling lights, balloon characters and the message of Christmas.

Those who visit get to help spread the Christmas cheer to those who are in need by contributing to the collection barrels placed along the street.  Non-parishable food items and toys are delivered each week to be given to families in need this season.

When I was a kid I loved it when my dad would drive us around the city at Christmas time to see the houses all lit up.  When we had kids, we just had to walk across the way to visit our neighbours on Rio.  On those winter nights when big, fluffy flakes of snow started falling it was absolutely magical!

Our kids are all grown now, but I still get a little excited when the lights are switched on for the first time each season.  It’s probably not enough to be seen from space, but it doesn’t matter.  I can see it from my front window and it makes me smile.  Merry Christmas, all!

Nancy

Enjoy!