What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.

— Agnes M. Pharo

Although there are 35 days until Christmas, this weekend may just be the perfect time to get in the holiday spirit.

The Valdosta Board of Realtors will host its 2009 Festival of Trees Black Tie Gala from 6:30-11 p.m. tonight at The Crescent, 904 N. Patterson St. Funds raised during the event will benefit The Crescent and Lowndes Associated Ministries to People Inc.’s homeless shelter. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple and include heavy hors d’oeuvres from Covington’s, a cash bar and the opportunity to bid on one of 15 themed Christmas trees and other items. The band Tanner’s Lane will provide music for the occasion.

A favorite holiday tradition, the Valdosta Junior Service League will host a special preview party for Merry Marketplace 2009 at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

The event will feature a night filled with music, drinks, giveaways, hors d’oeurves, as well as the chance to check out all the items vendors have to offer at the holiday shopping bazaar. Tickets are $40 per each person or $70 per couple. The Merry Marketplace will open its doors to eager shoppers from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center, with admission costing adults $5 and children $1. The shopping will be preceded from 8-9 a.m. and from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday by a Breakfast with Santa. Tickets for this are $15 each. Proceeds from the preview party will benefit breast cancer awareness efforts.

At 4 p.m. on Sunday, 12 religious leaders from a variety of faiths will conduct a community service at Iglesia Cristiana Gethsemani.

The Valdosta Area Ministerial Association invites everyone to attend this event and offer thanks to God for this country and its religious freedoms.