It’s that special time of year and Santa’s arrival starts the celebration, entertainment, shopping and family fun at Quintard Mall. Come see Santa at 6 p.m. in the Food Court tonight. According to Amy Stone, general manager at Quintard Mall, “This is only the beginning of many exciting events that will occur at the mall during November and December.”

Marketing manager Brooke McCulley said that ‘Santa and Me’ Photos start tonight, too, and will run through December 24. Set-up for photos will be in front of Goody’s. Also, to kick-off special holiday entertainment, Graceful Spirit Ballet will perform. Santa’s arrival and the ballet will be in the Food Court.

Of course, Nov. 23 expect great sales for “Black Friday,” the biggest shopping day of the year. Merchants will feature many specials, discounts and sales starting with Toys-R-Us, Sears and Goody’s at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. The majority of mall stores will open for “Black Friday” at midnight. J.C. Penny will begin their sale at 6 a.m. Friday.

On Dec. 3, Milk & Cookies with Santa takes place. “This is an opportunity for children to learn about giving to those in need in our community while having a fun time with their friends and Santa,” added Stone. Children need a reservation for this event. Call 256-831-4180 to reserve a place for your kids. Milk & Cookies with Santa will be at 4:30 and 6 p.m. This event helps the local Salvation Army provide for area families in need. A donation of five dollars or a generous canned food donation is required.

Those who enjoy music can visit the mall from December 2-15 to hear area church groups, school choirs, entertainers, singers/dancers, and instrumentalists will perform in the Food Court. For a listing of groups, dates and times check on the mall website (www.shopquintardmall.com).

A new eatery called T’s has just opened in the Food Court, and it provides catering services -- convenient for your holiday parties and family gatherings. T’s features sandwiches, salads and homemade soups (a different one each day of the week). For more information on catering services, call 256-77-7243.

Another business that opened recently is Toys-R-Us, just in time for your Christmas toy shopping. This store is filled with creative gift ideas to satisfy all the kids. Its new location is next to Goody’s.

I remember how excited my grandchildren become every year when Santa arrives, and several times we’ve headed to Quintard Mall for their photos sitting on Santa’s lap. This year, children can be photographed with Santa in his big golden sleigh.

Quintard Mall information: Phone-256-831-4180 Website- www.shopquintardmall.com. Business Hours: Mon.-Thur. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sun. Noon-6 p.m. Am Star movie theaters open for longer hours. Holiday shopping hours may be extended closer to Christmas.

Alice G. Duckett writes for the Oxford Sun and the Anniston/Gadsden Christian Family Magazine. She is the author of 2 children’s books. She kicks off the holidays today Nov.16 sharing Thanksgiving stories with first graders at Kitty Stone Elem. in Jacksonville at 1 p.m. (Ms. Henderson’s class); Dec.4 she will be the Christmas Storyteller at the “Night Before Christmas Celebration” 5-8 p.m. in downtown Guntersville; and Dec.7 she will share Holiday stories with Grace Episcopal Pre-School children at Carver Branch Library at 10 a.m. Visit her website at www.Shadowpurr-r-rPress.com.