Melvin Wells, who has brought the spirit of Santa Claus to Lamoille County children for years, representing the jelly-bellied, bearded fellow, wants people to include his Nebraska Valley home on their list of places to stop to re-up their holiday cheer.

So you forgot to check that list twice and now it’s too late to count on next-day delivery for those last-minute holiday gifts? It’s happened to all of us — time and deadlines fly — and the next thing you know the floor is bare under your Christmas tree.

It can take almost 10 years for that tree in the living room to reach the perfect height, said Tom Paine, who owns Paine’s Christmas Trees on Laporte Road in Morristown.

From the mind of a child comes all we see — the mountains, the rivers, the animals and all the fish in the sea.

Athletic gear is known for flexibility, comfort and durability, designed to withstand anything from short jogs to hiking the Long Trail. But it can also be stylish.

Second-hand shopping is a great way to fill seasonal holes in one’s wardrobe without spending a lot of money.

When the leaves change color, clothing gets serious. Winter’s on the way, and functional attire moves to the forefront.

Autumn is just around the corner, and readers are invited to capture the colors of the season for the Stowe Reporter’s 12th annual foliage photo contest.