It seems impossible that December is here and Christmas is right around the corner.

The Auburn YMCA-WEIU is getting into the holiday spirit with lots of decorations and special activities.

The preschool program will be having its annual sing-along at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The teachers work hard to teach these young ones to sing holiday songs. It's always so much fun to see the preschoolers perform for their families and friends. And Santa usually makes a visit to make sure he knows what each child wants.

The preschool department is also sponsoring a gingerbread night when all of the children help to make gingerbread houses. The staff enjoys this event because we get to eat the leftovers.

Speaking of eating, if you want to maintain or lose weight over the holiday season, our Dashing All the Weight Program is perfect for you.

From Dec. 8 until Jan. 5, there will be a weekly weigh-in for all participants. If there is either a weight loss or weight maintained, and the person gets weighed weekly, then they are eligible for a gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods. A perfect “weigh#” to be vigilant about diet and exercise over the holidays.

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This week we are winding down with the last weigh-in for the current session of Use It and Lose It.

There didn't seem to be quite as much enthusiasm this time but there has been some big time weight loss. The winner, as well as the winning team, will be announced in next week#'s column. The winner gets a gift certificate to Dick#'s Sporting Goods and the winning team gets Y dollars to use as credit toward merchandise or programs.

I know one person who is already planning to use her Y bucks towards a massage if her team wins.

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Our hospitality hour is shifting this month to a Tuesday. Many of us can#'t make the normal Wednesday date so it will now be on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. We are hoping that lots of members will make donations of Christmas cookies and baked goods for everyone to enjoy.

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We are still running our member-friend campaign where a member may bring in someone, they both get a tour of the facility and then the guest can have a free month#'s membership. So far, this has been successful,with many people already converting to a full membership.

We will also be offering our college Christmas membership special to all of those full-time students who are home for winter break.

You can enjoy your break, reconnect with your friends and stay in shape for a reasonable fee.

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The Auburn YMCA is offering a Red Cross blood drive on Friday, Dec. 26. If anyone is interested, they may sign up to give blood or just walk in.

What a wonderful gift it would be if everyone could donate blood as a gift to the Red Cross.

Hansinger is the assistant fitness director at the Auburn YMCA