As usual, Santa Claus is getting a head start on his holiday duties this year. The jolly old elf has already made stops in Dimondale and Charlotte and has no plans to leave the Eaton County area any time soon.

One of the best aspects of living in a small community is the togetherness that felt this time of year. People really come together around the holidays, especially when Santa Claus comes to town. Santa is going to be really busy in the next month making appearances in communities and shops throughout the area.

Santa Claus’s next stop will be at the Vermontville Township Library on Friday, Dec. 6 to have his picture taken with all the children in the community. The Vermontville Library has set up that special appearance, which will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and feature plenty of family friendly activities.

You will find Santa Claus in downtown Olivet on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. Santa’s visit is sponsored by the Olivet Chamber of Commerce and the Olivet Fire Department. The Chamber of Commerce is also encouraging residents and business owners to get in the holiday spirit this year by decorating your home or business. The Holiday Lights for Holiday Nights decorating contest will take place in Olivet throughout December. Decorations must be up by Monday, Dec. 16 and three winners will be selected on Tuesday, Dec. 17 — each will receive $50 in “Chamber Bucks.” Entry forms can be found at Eaton Federal Savings Bank, Independent Bank and Olivet Pharmacy.

Santa will magically pull double-duty Dec. 7 by also appearing in the holiday festivities in Eaton Rapids. He will participate in the annual Holiday Lights Parade, which begins at 6 p.m.

Santa Claus will make a stop in Potterville on Sunday, Dec. 8 following the annual holiday parade and tree lighting, which begins at 6 p.m. Stop in to Potterville City Hall following the festivities to meet him.

Santa Claus returns to Eaton County on Saturday, Dec. 14, this time in Bellevue. He will greet people at Bellevue Hardware following the annual Christmas parade, which begins at 5:45 p.m. Due to construction the parade route will be slightly different this year. It will begin at the “old football field,” travel down Mill Street, then down Main Street to Bellevue Hardware.