The annual book reading and train ride of The Polar Express for children in grades 2-5 will take place Saturday. You will need to sign up for this event by contacting the Buckingham County Public Library, 1140 Main St., in Dillwyn, at (434) 983-3848. Children should be at the train by 3:45 p.m., with the train leaving promptly at 4 p.m. Afterwards, children will meet with parents and siblings at the library for refreshments, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa Claus.

Cedar Baptist Church, 3992 Bell Road in Dillwyn, invites everyone to its Christmas program, “It’s all about that baby,” to be presented Sunday at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

The 17th Masonic District and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive, Wednesday, noon-6 p.m. at Heritage Hall Nursing Home, 9 Brickyard Road, in Dillwyn. You don’t need a special reason to donate blood. Whatever your reason, the need for blood is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply.

Friday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Prince Edward County Extension Office is offering an emergency generator workshop. This is a technical workshop on emergency power systems and will feature subject matter expertise from TPC Trainco. The session will include information on the selection of generators, an overview of diesel generators, EPA regulations, fuel considerations, auxiliary equipment and mechanical and electrical maintenance considerations. Registration is required and space is very limited. Lunch is not included. The session is free to the first 15 people to register; the fee then increases to $115 per person. Please register by calling the Extension Office at (434) 392-4246.

The town of Dillwyn Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. After the parade there will be refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus at Dillwyn Town Hall.

Many have busy schedules and the holiday season can be very stressful. Keeping the season as joyous as possible while reducing stress can be a useful goal for everyone. Some suggestions may help in this regard. One way to begin is by re-thinking that to-do list. Experiment with dropping the last three things on the list. For most of us, we can safely resolve to do less while being more realistic about the time and energy we have. Reflecting on what really matters is another strategy. Often the best gifts are acts of kindness — to ourselves and others. We can choose between participating in the frenzy of the season or in celebrating in a way that is mindful and unique to us. Jonathan Alpert reminds us: “Materialism isn’t an expression of love, and extravagance doesn’t equal happiness.”

The Taylor Masonic Lodge will hold a Brunswick stew fundraiser Saturday at the lodge in Centenary, beginning at 1 p.m. A donation of $8 per quart is requested.

The choir of the First Baptist Church of Dillwyn, accompanied by Cody Moss, will perform “The O Night Divine” cantata Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at the church.

Janet Miller is a writer, painter and retired educator. Her email is janet.miller@farmvilleherald.com