Show Off Your Favorite Ornament

We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.

Holiday decorations do more than glitter and sparkle — they give a hint about the personality of their owners. Whether it's a trinket showing loyalty to a favorite sports team (Red Sox and Patrriots are favorites), cartoon character, or store [did you get your mini coffee cup from Dunkin' Donuts this year?] ornaments run the full range of sizes, shapes, and colors. And when it comes time to deck out the tree, it's the ornament that gets the best spot — the perfect place for the ornament to function as a conversation starter. Other folks prefer original, handmade decorations — especially if they were created by the kids when they were younger. Before you take down your tree for the year, here's your chance to share photos [or video] of the …

• Photos (2)

Patch Facts

Five Things to Know on Nov. 23: Meals on Wheels Needs Volunteer Drivers

An essential get-me-going daily morning column from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

Today is Friday, Nov. 23. Here are five things you need to know in Hamilton and Wenham: 1. Mild: A cloudy start on Friday is forecasted to make way for sun with temperatures getting up into the 50s for another mild day. 2. School: Friday marks day No. 2 of a four day long weekend for students. They will all return to school on Monday. 3. Christmas Trees: As soon as the final piece of apple pie is eaten, some families start the search for their Christmas tree. In the two towns, there’s Burnett’s plus seasonal operations at Dodge Tree and Patton Park, run by the EdFund. Where are you going to buy your Christmas tree this year? Or do you an artificial tree? Tell us in the comments. 4. Meals on Wheels: SeniorCare is looking for new volunteers …

• Photos (1)

Viewfinder

Add Your Own: Christmas Images in the Two Towns

Wreaths, garland and Christmas trees are just some of the Christmas and holiday themed decorations that have put the two towns into the holiday spirit in recent weeks.

Sunday was not a white Christmas, but there is no lack of holiday spirit in Hamilton and Wenham. Here's a look around at just a few of the images in the two towns in recent days and your photos can be part of it. Just look for the button that says "upload photos and videos."

• Photos (10)

Cookies, Cocoa and Caroling to Ring in Holidays Sunday

The gazebo and Christmas tree in downtown Hamilton will be lit on Sunday night, with cookies and hot chocolate being seved.

The holiday season officially begins on Sunday night in Hamilton with Christmas carols and the lighting of the Patton Park gazebo and Christmas tree at People’s United Bank. Organizer Peter Stewart said he began the tradition about 15 years ago with the idea of adding the lighting of the gazebo to the evening activities. “It makes the gazebo look real great,” he said. It starts at 4:30 at the Community House with cookies and hot chocolate and carols, led by Stewart and Joe Scuderi. The caroling is designed for all ages, Stewart said. Stewart said Paul Reigle of the Hamilton Department of Public Works and Frank Williamson at People’s United Bank are a help in lighting both the gazebo and tree. The entire event will last about an hour, …

• Photos (1)