That popular guy sporting his bright red suit, full white beard and contagious "Ho, Ho, Ho" Santa Claus greeting is heading for Des Moines Big Catch Plaza on Friday, Dec. 7, to light up "the town Christmas tree."

Local businesses and city leaders invite you to enjoy hot cider, cookies and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m.

These downtown businesses will be open until 9 p.m. for a special "Twilight Sale": Des Moines Drug and Hallmark, Carriage Country Quilts, Village Frame & Gallery, Marine View Espresso, Salon Michelle, Corky Cellars, Aruba J., Artsy Fartsy and Today's Chiropractic.

Organizer Dianne Jacobson of Corky Cellars said, "We want people to take pleasure in shopping in Des Moines."

On December 12, Argosy's Christmas Ship, dazzling in holiday finery, will be at Des Moines Marina for the annual roundtrip shoreline cruise to Redondo. An experience guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood, ready or not.

Christmas carols from the vessel can heard by nearby residents and landlubbers keeping toasty warm at the Beach Park bonfire. For information call Argosy or Des Moines Parks 206-870-6527.

DON'T YOU admire (or envy) folks who finished Christmas gift shopping before Thanksgiving's turkey leftovers even hit the hash? Such efficiency eludes me, although the inspirational sight of a city looking lively with Christmas lights and decorated shops does motivate some get-up-and-go.

Visions of sugar plums or dandy new computers may dance in our heads, yet it's the gift of freedom and knowing our loved ones are safe that's priceless.

A few years ago I wrote, "Today our nation lingers on the brink of war and resists economic turmoil. At times such as this, our simple basic values and human ability to reach from behind into a treasure of hidden strengths sustains us."

Holidays are not all fun and games. It's a fact that robbery, theft, assault and domestic violence "spike" and uncontrolled fires do not take a holiday.

Firefighters ask you to take these precautions: water Christmas trees daily and if needles fall easily at touch get rid of the tree. Use good electrical cords and put candles in approved containers away from mirrors that magnify heat intensity.

Domestic violence victims and drunk drivers who injure or kill someone are another holiday heartbreaker. The whole family is impacted. In a split-second, happiness transforms into devastation, often for "just one more drink for the road."

Through my childhood eyes Christmas memories were the thrill of seeing downtown Seattle store lights with mom, dad, grandma, five kids and the dog all piled into a well-used Oldsmobile sedan.

We ooh'd and aah'd at the unbelievable sight of store windows with dolls, trains, slippers and a huge star on the Bon Marche [now Macy's] building.

Because money was scarce for wishes, we were sure those goodies would never find our Christmas tree. Besides, grownups told us Santa required very good behavior-or no presents.

"Is it too late to start now?" we whispered. How exciting when seen through a child's eyes, and now that delicious memory lingers like fine chocolate on life's taste buds.

DES MOINES decorating has been sporadic. So it was that in 1980, a man who holds a very special place in my heart helped create the first "Town Christmas Tree," located at the triangle in front of Des Moines Vision Center.

City fathers gave permission to use the land, Puget Power donated electricity, a local merchant donated the tree, and sets of good lights were found in my basement.

It was community spirit in action. Decorating it was another story.

Perched on creaky ladders with long strings of tangled lights and brisk cold winds blowing made it challenging. Like cheerleaders at a ballgame, passing drivers honked car horns of approval.

Finally, the star went on top and we agreed, "Santa would approve."

That tree was the start of this permanent "Town Christmas Tree" now masterfully decorated by Des Moines Park Department crews who also install seasonal street banners.

Some see sparkles in those tree lights. I see the twinkle of my late husband's eyes who loved Christmas, kids, this community-and lucky me. What a gift that was!

Happy Holidays!

Thought for the day: "You can unlock a person's whole life by listening to the words they use most."-William Drummond.