There was an air of excitement as a Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company fire truck arrived at the Eldred Township municipal building and Santa Claus disembarked.

He led about 75 people to gather around a newly planted Christmas tree at the Eldred Township municipal building.Coordinator of the event, Donna Diehl, welcomed everyone. Diann Bittenbender talked about the origin of the Christmas tree and shared a prayer, thanking God for sending the perfect gift, his son Jesus Christ, as the reason for the season.A happy cheer went up when the brightly colored lights were turned on. Everyone was invited to place an ornament on the tree and then they sang "Jingle Bells."Visitors were treated to hot chocolate and cookies inside the municipal building and the Christmas season was officially opened in Eldred.