By Sam WallerThe Big Country East Fellowship of Christian Athletes is sponsoring a “Praise & Worship Rally” at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at The Feed Store.Junior high and high school students from Albany, Moran, Baird, Cisco, Breckenridge, Woodson, Throckmorton, and Newcastle are invited.

By Sam WallerLocal churches are making plans for Christmas services and programs as the holiday draws near.With Christmas on a Sunday for the first time since 2016, several local congregations are making plans for their celebration of the birth of Jesus.

By Melinda L. LucasWhile the days of poring over a catalog of Christmas toys are long gone, children are still making lists for Santa.The Albany News will be printing Santa letters and holiday essays in the Christmas issue to be published on Thursday, Dec. 22.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Academic Booster Club is once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff through its Christmas Wish List program.

ByDonnie A. LucasAlbany residents are invited to get into the holiday spirit on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the annual Christmas concert for the Albany school bands.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany Junior High and Nancy Smith Elementary are competing in a number of UIL contests on Wednesday, Dec. 7, with the sixth through eighth graders traveling to Hamlin and the second through fifth graders at Cisco.

Albany News publisher Donnie Lucas announced this week that there will not be an edition published on Dec. 29 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.“We’ve decided to again take that week off and be able to enjoy our family more during the holidays,” said Lucas.

By Sam WallerThose intending to send Christmas packages through the U.S. Postal Service should start soon to ensure presents are delivered before Christmas Day.Albany postmaster Laura Gilbreath said packages posted by Friday, Dec. 16, should arrive at their destination before the holiday.

By Donnie A. LucasVolunteers are still needed to help place 560 fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of local veterans as part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 17.A brief ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasThe final rehearsals are set next week for “The Nativity” performances set for Dec. 10 and 11 at the Aztec Theater.Tickets are free of charge and will be available at the door starting 45 minutes prior to each performance.The opening show is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.