Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  Nederland Elementary School fifth grader, Asher Hughes, crouched down on the snow next to the Nederland Town Hall, his large mittens ready to do their job. He grasped the plug and waited for Mayor Kris Larsen to give the signal.

Larsen addressed the circle of bundled-up people standing in the town hall's front yard around the holiday trees. Not the big real pine this year, but a couple of smaller pole trees. He said that although it has been a tough year for Nederland, it has survived and we will all look forward to a more peaceful year.

He pointed to Asher who popped the plug into the socket and the lights went on, forming a circle of color. Girl Scouts in time honored tradition led the group in song and then marched into the town hall for hot cider and cookies.

For the first time this winter season, temperatures dropped into the teens and the wind added to the chill. With cold weather and the lighting of the town trees, the holiday season is now official.