Kelseyville's Christmas in the Country this year was an amazing success.

The Kelseyville Business Association covered all the costs for the event. Thank you!

Thanks to all the people that helped with the town decorations, setting up the day of the event and cleanup, the parade participants, all of the merchants and churches, and especially the community that comes out to enjoy a simple old-fashioned Christmas in the country, with merchants opening their doors for all sorts of free goodies, wagon rides and a beautiful parade of lights. To see all the smiling faces and childrens twinkling eyes brings so much joy to us all.

I want to thank many individuals for sharing their time and talents: Mike and Kim Riley, the couple I can count on to always be there to help; Dave Morse, always right in there helping: and I hope I don't forget anyone, Sue Dodd, Cooper Dodd, Rick White, Trena Pauly, Nick Buttitta, Debbie Gerace, Eric VonOrden, Ross Mason, Helen Finch, Marilyn Holdenried, Rob Brown, Caroline Chavez, Brian Fischer, Rafael Perez, Mike Lorrenzini, Brenda Young, Westamerica Bank, Studebakers Coffee House, Kelseyville Lions Club and Kelseyville Lumber.

Thanks to all the merchants who decorated their stores and windows so beautifully, the churches that opened their hearts and doors, the parade entries this year were so colorful and fun, thanks for all your effort to make our parade so festive.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are so thankful for all of the wonderful people and all of the blessings we have in our lives.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Mary Morse owns Kelseyville Appliance and is an organizer of Christmas in the Country in Kelseyville, Calif.