Here’s a list of Christmas services at assorted local churches. If you know of other Christmas services please email us at: editor@westphillylocal.com or post them in the comments.

Calvary Methodist Church, 48th & Baltimore

Christmas Eve: Candlelight Service of lessons and carols – 7 p.m.

Church of the Holy Apostles & Mediator, 51st & Spruce

Christmas Eve: Christmas Sacred music prelude – 6:30 p.m.; Festival of Christmas Eucharist – 7 p.m.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 3916 Locust Walk

Christmas Eve: The Feast of the Nativity – 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Day: 6:20 p.m.

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 38th St. between Chestnut and Market

Christmas Eve: Festival Eucharist – 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Holy Eucharist – 10 a.m.

If you are out looking for a tree any time between now and Christmas Eve, we highly recommend stopping to see Curtis and his merry crew, who are back again this year at 50th and Baltimore. Like past years, Curtis has a fairly wide selection of trees (we picked up a nice Scotch pine today) at a lot of different prices. They have the string and are really good at tying trees to the tops of cars or wrapping it up to fit in a shopping cart. They also have tree stands.

One of the things we love about Curtis is that he leaves several trees out after he closes up shop each night for those who can’t afford to buy one. Curtis will be on the triangle in front of Dock Street Brewing Co. until Christmas Eve. You can complete the buy local experience by popping in for a beer at Dock Street or crossing the street for a gift at VIX Emporium near the northwest corner of 50th and Baltimore.

For 25 years Curtis has been selling Christmas trees at 50th and Baltimore.

“I know I don’t look that old, but what can I say,” he said as he oversaw the loading of another tree – a 6-footer – atop a car roof.

Curtis has a selection of trees ranging from $15 for a 4-foot-or-so to $60 for trees up to about 10 feet. He said there is no way he will run out before Christmas, so look for his stand between the Dock Street Brewing Co. and Cedar Park. In fact, Curtis stressed, if you don’t have a tree by midnight on Christmas Eve, then stop by and he will give you whatever is left over.

Curtis is typically open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. When you see him make sure you mention how good he looks for his age. He likes that.

We are looking for more places to get a tree. If you have any favorite spots, let us know in the comments or write to us at editor [at] westphillylocal.com.

I know … it seems like just last week it was summer. Get over it. In fact, a good way to get over it – if you’re so inclined – is to pick up a holiday wreath or swag. We can help you out with that. Well, actually Lauren Leatherbarrow can help you out. The West Philly gardener extraordinaire is once again selling holiday greenery. Lauren advises everyone to pre-order and pre-pay for wreaths. The pre-order deadline for poinsettia plants is long gone. She will have some wreaths for sale on spec on Dec. 4 at 517 Woodland Terrace from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that’s also where and when the pick-up is for pre-ordered stuff.

Proceeds from sales will go to the Boy Scout Troop 152 at St. Francies De Sales Parish, the University City Garden Club and UC Green, the youth choirs of St. Peter’s Church (3rd and Pine Streets) and the local chapter of the Habitat for Humanity.

A price list and order form is available below. For more information, call 215-386-3905.

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