This weekend brings many chances to participate in activities that remind us ’tis also the season of peace on earth and good will to all people. Winter concerts by adults, children, and those in-between; tree lightings; cookie baking and craft making; and pageants. The Christmas pageant Sunday stars the town’s younger residents in roles as diverse as camels and angels. We hear that recruiting for sheep, goats, and shepherds is a bit like recruiting for football players: choice positions offered in exchange for a one-afternoon commitment; although no cars or cash change hands. And the pageant could be a leading indicator for classroom space constraints or surplus. If there’s not much competition for the barnyard-animal parts, first and second-grade classrooms are likely to have space. Who knew?

However residents celebrate in December, we’d like to encourage people to consider those less fortunate as the year winds down—along with the temperature. Next week we’ll print a list of local charities and nonprofits that serve local needs and could use financial gifts or other donations. We welcome suggestions of organizations to include. Please send information—name, address, phone number, needed gifts, and charitable purpose (if not obvious)—to jmoberly@harvardpress.com by Tuesday noon to be included.