Young children’s eyes are bright as they expect the arrival of Santa and his bag of many toys. And yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

As the most widely read editorial in the New York Sun appeared years ago, their answer to Virginia was: “Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love, generosity, and devotion exists. No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives and lives forever, a thousand years from now, Virginia he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”

So many homes are decorated with inflatables to appeal to the children. What a thrill to ride through neighborhoods and see all the effort put forth by families to celebrate the season.

Ann Bull asks:

“Have you ever been on a pajama ride? If you haven’t, now is the time. Just load up the family dressed in their pajamas or casual clothing and ride around to see the sights of Christmas. Some of the neighborhoods that are well decorated include: Vintner’s Woods, Carriage Hill Lakes, Governor’s Grant, and Sterling Bridge. There are many others as well, just put on some Christmas music and go along with your ride.”

The Lexington Chamber’s Christmas Business Over Breakfast on Dec. 14. Following an appetizing breakfast catered by John Aun’s Eggs Up Grill, Chamber Chair elect Shawn Stinson opened the meeting. The sponsor was Security Federal Bank, represented by Gale McCartha. Rev. Jeff Kersey of Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church gave the invocation and led the pledge. Executive Director of Mission Lexington, Ruben Bowers, spoke on their need to help families in our community.

Angelle LaBorde, the chamber’s president and CEO, introduced elected officials: County Councilman Darrell Hudson; Town of Lexington Councilmen Steve Baker, Todd Carnes and Ron William; Byron Thomas, representing Congressman Joe Wilson’s office; and State Rep. Paula Calhoon. Cindy Powell was recognized by Laborde as Ambassador of the Month. A “pass the mic” session was held by Adam DeLoache as he went around the room passing the mic to attendees for their name and workplaces.

A Legislative Breakfast was held by the Chamber on Dec. 16, bringing together the county’s legislative delegation and town leaders. Present were Congressman Joe Wilson; State Senators Ronnie Cromer, Shane Massey, Katrina Shealy, State Rep. Paula Calhoon, Chris Wooten, Chip Huggins and Micah Caskey; County Councilman Darrell Hudson; Cayce Councilman Tim James; Town of Lexington Council Members Todd Carnes andKathey Maness; Lexington County School District 1 Superintendent One Greg Little; Lexington County Auditor Chris Harmon, South State Bank’s Tom Ledbetter, Town of Lexington Police Chief Terrance Green, Susan Amuk, Tommy Coffield, Ann Wingard, Butch Wallace, Chip Bagnall, Otis Rawl, Ted McGee, Emee Craig Caldwell, Angelle LaBorde, Sonja Gettys, Adam DeLoache and more.

Hugh Rogers gathered some Lexington folks for a holiday luncheon Dec. 17 at the Lexington Country Club. Enjoying fellowship were Scott Adams, Tim Driezgens, Rev. Ken Colton, Henriette Gill, Cheryl Ann Morrison, Mike Flack, Adrian Faigone, Horace Harmon, David Hipp, Keith Dooley, Ross Snell, Clift Rogers, Richard Peterson, Peter Korn, Eddie Howard and Pete Oliver.

Happy Birthday: Becky Addy, Katrina Shealy, Donna Peeler, Ann Pleicell, Dayna Britt, David Loney, James Wack, Miles Gessner, Samantha Timmerman, Becky Addy, Nicholas Schneider, Lori Holmgreen, Marshall Carroll, Catherine Compton, Drew Welch, Chase Rabern, Dylan Taylor, Samuel Taylor, Donna Jackson, Dawn Corley, Laura Cox, Katy Clark Lever, Tommy Mathias, and Levi Sebring.