It feels homier lately at City Hall, and this week was no exception. Shawnee’s Christmas Around Town was Saturday, Dec. 3 and the city put on various holiday events and lit the mayor’s Christmas tree. The spirit from the weekend carried over to this week.

As I was sitting, working on finishing my information packet about multi-family recycling in a side room in City Hall, I was surprised as a man brought in poinsettias one after another. Maybe my love of Christmas made this overly exciting for me, but I enjoyed the sense of community I felt seeing the plants being brought in. The Family Tree Nursery worker gave me a friendly wave, and it was a nice distraction to my work.

Shortly after, assistant manager Katie Killen, who serves as my boss for the internship, walked in and started carrying plants to various employees. There was a poinsettia for every city council member and a few extras for various staff. She was right out there with the Family Tree Nursery man.

I guess it’s all part of the job description.

Later as I left City Hall and walked out into the parking lot, I noticed the giant (approximately 30 feet tall) mayor’s Christmas tree in the corner of the lot. A dad was taking pictures of his son by the tree. Decorating the sides of the building are also a couple of displays with trees and a Santa.

I hope there was a great turn-out at the Christmas Around Town event last weekend. After seeing all of the decorations and nice gifts this week, I wish I would have made time to go myself.

For more information about the events that took place at Christmas Around Town, see the city’s website.