“Elves” Jim Richardson and Cody Morris wait with reindeer Cupid and Vixen for their turn in the second annual Santa’s Arrival Parade Nov. 21 at Park Meadows Mall.

Different styles of dance will come together once again as the Parker Youth Ballet presents its 2009 holiday performance.

Fifty-six million trees are planted each year to be used for future holidays, and 30 million to 35 million families will buy a real Christmas tree this year, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

Make the holidays a time of joy for families in need

Fitouri is inducted into Oracle honor society

“Food, Glorious Food” sets the scene as hungry little orphans line up for a meager meal. Among their number is plucky, pint-sized Oliver Twist, who manages to prevail over the system. Charles Dickens” timeless characters will fill the Town Hall stage as “Oliver!” the musical by Lionel Bart, plays through Dec. 27, directed by the multi-talented Christopher Willard, with musical direction by Donna Debreceni. Town Hall Arts Center offers this family show in its historic theater at 2450 W. Main St., downtown Littleton. 303-794-2787 ext. 5; www.townhallartscenter.com.

Welcome visions of sugarplums — and lovely Sugarplum Fairies — dance in my head this time of year. A visit to a performance of “The Nutcracker” with excited little girls dressed in party finery is a happy memory, followed up by granddaughter outings. Local families have a number of choices, dates, locations to enjoy this holiday classic. These arrived on our desk: