Lost Valley snowmaker Nolan Johnson walks Monday morning Dec. 2 to the middle of the Big Buck trail at the Auburn ski area to check the texture of the snow coming down. It was sticking to his jacket, a sign that the snow was becoming too wet. He then started shutting down the snowmaking for the day. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Designer Lana Hall, left, of Wales talks with a young dancer Dec. 4 while making costume alterations during rehearsal for “A Nutcracker Christmas” at the Franco Center in Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Peter Barnies hangs Christmas lights Dec. 2 at his home in Auburn. Barnies said he has decorated his home for the holidays each year for the past 55 years. “It’s a hobby,” said Barnies. “It’s a lot of work, but I really enjoy it. By Sunday, he said, the house would be decorated from top to bottom. “The neighbors love it,” said Barnies. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Marcio Luvunga harvests peas on Dec. 5 from a Fork Farms hydroponic system during the 21st Century after-school program at Lewiston Middle School. Dina Doyon, Lewiston Middle School librarian and 21st Century site coordinator, assists. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

A demolition car is pushed by Santa’s helpers on Nov. 30, as it participates in the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, which traveled between Norway and South Paris with the theme “Home for the Holidays: Celebrating our Men and Women in Uniform.” Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Beth Gilman shovels a few inches of slushy snow on Dec. 5 from her driveway on Jenkins Street in Lewiston. “I have a plow guy, but he doesn’t come if it’s under 3 inches,” she said. “I don’t mind; it’s good exercise and I save some money.” Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline stands in front of the display window at The Studio on Dec. 3, owned by Grayling Cunningham on Lisbon Street in downtown Lewiston. In the background, middle, is Krampus, a horned anthropomorphic figure who, in folkloric tradition, is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children before the Feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 6. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal