The Christmas spirit is still lingering in the air all over Montevallo.

Most folks had a wonderful holiday and are still busy going to parties, entertaining, enjoying their gifts and at least tolerating those inevitable leftovers.

Things are quieter though, and the memories are wonderful.

We are reminded that the community and the University of Montevallo campus just buzzed with holiday activities from Thanksgiving until well after the tinkle of Santa’s sleigh bells faded.

Folks who walked by the UM classroom kitchen remember the wonderful aroma of sugar and spices that floated through the doorway where students of the family and consumer science classes were baking cookies to send to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The homeless at the Jimmy Hale Mission and Jessie’s Place are much warmer this holiday season wearing the coats that a group of UM education majors collected for them.

A single mother who lost her job is happy remembering that she and her children have had a wonderful holiday with gifts and food brought to her by members of the UM Student Government Association.

Adrian Lucas is just ecstatic remembering that the golf tournament she coordinated for the Phi Mu Sorority girls netted $5,160 — the most ever — that is benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network.

“No child in the Montevallo area will get up on Christmas morning with no presents under the tree.” That was the aim of Shelby Emergency Assistance, and they worked hard to make that come true for about 200 children.

Along with many individuals and other organizations, several local churches adopted those children: St. Thomas Catholic, Montevallo Presbyterian, First Baptist, Church of the Holy Comforter, Spring Creek Presbyterian, and First Methodist are among those.

Most church members have good memories of Christmas with pageants, special dinners and programs, and with helping folks they knew who were in need.

There was a wonderful dinner-theater type program at Wilton Bible Baptist, followed by the singing of Christmas carols.

At the Presbyterian Church they were excited to have a grand musical by their young people, and dinner at the home of one of their members.

The folks at Ward’s Chapel remember the pleasure of filling food baskets determined to make this a cheerful holiday for several disadvantaged families. Remembering the holidays makes everyone sleepy, but folks are reminded not to take a very long nap — next Christmas is just around the corner.

Catherine Legg can be reached by e–mail at clegg2@bellsouth.net.