"Christmas sneaks up on me," folks say these days, implying in days gone by when life was slower, it was an event anxiously awaited.

Despite its pitfalls, it is a special time to slow down and get in a gracious, giving and festive spirit.

People seem to make an extra effort to say hello and say a kind word.

Here are some folks we caught getting ready these past few days.

We wish them and you, all our readers, a joyful season while we recall the birth of Christ.