Read along with ‘The Maine Christmas Song’

“The Maine Christmas Song,” written by Windham resident Con Fullam, has now been turned in to a book. Contributed / Con Fullam

If you’re a fan of “The Maine Christmas Song” by Con Fullam, of Windham, you’ll be happy to know that there is a new children’s book that uses the lyrics in the song to tell the story, which is available in bookstores now, just in time for Christmas. Published by McSea Books and beautifully illustrated by Maine artist Cynthia Baker, the book makes a special gift for children of all ages.

“Like so many, I grew up with the song and always thought it would be a wonderful book with an important message, given the deep divide we are experiencing today,” said Stephanie Mulligan, owner and publisher of McSea Books.

The story is told by an unnamed narrator who describes a time long ago “when roads were made of crushed rock and earth,” the Christmas gifts were handmade and spiritually centered. Neighbors cared for one another. And although times have changed, there remains “a small corner of the earth where old values have not been lost … in Maine.”

Fullam’s narrative continues to share Christmas traditions that focus on the power of giving. The message is heartwarming and the illustrations are reminiscent of Currier and Ives prints. The prestigious Kirkus Review called the book, “a cozy downhome Christmas tale of Christmas in New England.”

In the three decades since the song first hit the airwaves, it has sold over 100,000 copies, which shows how loved it is by many in our state. This rich, heartwarming book captures the spirit of the song and will surely please just about anyone on your Christmas list. For more information about the book, contact Stephanie Mulligan at info@mcseabooks.com or 290-3137.

Christmas lights tour

Windham is now hosting its 2nd Annual Holiday Decorating Contest for homes and businesses in town. Through Dec. 15, people will be getting in the holiday spirit by putting together some festive and bright holiday displays all around town. Seniors who would like to see the spectacle of lights but who may not enjoy driving in the dark are invited to take the tour aboard the Windham Parks & Recreation’s MAGIC Christmas Light Finder Bus from 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. The cost is $5, but the fun will be priceless. Call Windham Parks & Recreation at 892-1905 for more information or to sign up for the trip.

Holiday fair season is here

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church is hosting a COVID-safe Christmas Fair from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 4, at the church at the roundabout on River Road in Windham. There will be Christmas wreaths for sale, a raffle, beautiful quilts, gift baskets and drop-in specials. Stop by and enjoy the fun and festivities.

Also on Dec. 4, North Windham Union Church invites you to pay them a visit at 723 Roosevelt Trail in North Windham from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for its holiday extravaganza. The fair will feature fresh balsam wreaths, fine crafts, gently used books, baked goods and more. Lunch will also be available to take out. All proceeds from this Christmas fair will benefit the church and the community it serves.

Haley Pal can be contacted at haleypal@aol.com.