🎄 When do YOUR holiday lights go up?

Some people start decorating as early as October, while others wait until the day before Christmas. I usually get mine up the weekend after Thanksgiving, which, according to recent stats, is right in line with most people. You can see the full numbers here.

Reply to this email and tell us—how soon is too soon to put up Christmas lights?

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🌲 14 cut-your-own tree farms in NH

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar

This newsletter is free as a winter snowstorm (but way easier to handle). Subscribe and share today.

Less than a month after signing a law shielding Sig Sauer from lawsuits over its P320 pistol, Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s campaign accepted a $15,000 donation—the state’s maximum—from the Newington-based gunmaker.

The law makes it nearly impossible to sue Sig Sauer in New Hampshire over safety issues, protecting the company from claims about accidental misfires.

Colin Booth has the full story.

By Britteny Dee

Grab your ax and your winter coat—it’s time to check out some of the best tree farms in New Hampshire and cut down your own Christmas tree. Whether you want a tiny tree for your front porch or a towering showstopper for your living room, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect holiday tree at one of these Granite State tree farms.

🌲 1. Archambault Tree Farm

Cut-your-own trees at Archambault Tree Farm cost $90, and the trees are shaken and netted before you leave the farm for easier handling. The last day of the season is Dec. 14. You can make a reservation for the day and time you want to visit here.

Address: 232 Grant Road, Newmarket

🌲 2. Beloin Tree Farm

Beloin Tree Farm has been growing Christmas trees since 1948. The family-owned farm includes 250 acres of Christmas trees, including Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Blue Spruce, Korean Fir, and Blue Meyer Spruce varieties up to 12 feet tall.

The farm is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until Christmas.

Address: 160 Stevens Hill Road, Colebrook

🌲 3. Conley Christmas Tree Farm

At Conley Christmas Tree Farm, where Christmas trees have been growing since 1968, you’ll find Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, and “Fralsams” spread across about 80 acres. All cut-your-own trees cost $70. There is a tree shaker to shake loose any needles or debris, as well as a baling machine that can wrap your tree to make it easier to transport.

The farm is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until sunset.

Address: 527 Meaderboro Road, Farmington

The Trump administration is moving closer to dismantling the US Education Department, shifting some of its biggest grant programs to other federal agencies.

Title I funding for low-income schools is moving to the Department of Labor, while other programs are moving to Health and Human Services, the State Department, and the Interior Department.

Some worry that all this change will interrupt services for students who rely on extra support.

So this week’s question is…

What do you think of Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“The so-called Department of Education is nothing but indoctrination of America’s children to believe that communism the way. History has been twisted to keep the truth from being told to the kids which when known the children could easily see for themselves the truth as we were able to!” — Gerald Easson

“Dismantling the Department of Education is horrible and outrageous. It is so obviously a fascist move—the less educated and more ignorant the populace, the easier to control. The Founding Fathers were clear that a healthy functioning democracy requires a well-educated population that can think critically. The United States has shamefully made education a lower priority for much of its history. Teachers are paid so poorly for such a critically important job.” — Mary Langdon 

“I am totally opposed. We need an educated populace and if we lose the guidance of the Department of Education, who knows what will be lost.” — Deborah Lievens 

Keeping New Hampshire informed takes dedication—and readers like you make it possible.

As the year draws to a close, we’re hoping to raise $1,800 by Dec. 16 to continue bringing you the stories that matter most to our communities.

If Granite Post matters to you, your support helps keep independent local journalism alive and thriving.

🎨 Lebanon Art & Crafts Association 53rd Annual Christmas Show & Sale
West Lebanon — Nov. 10–Dec. 24
Shop handmade gifts from local artisans at the Upper Valley Plaza (between The Paper Store and Famous Footwear). Open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with late hours Thursday and Friday until 8 p.m.
More info

🎅 Christmas in Wolfeboro
Wolfeboro — Nov. 29–Dec. 24
Kick off the season with a toy drive, festive parade, community tree lighting, and a Christmas carol sing-along at First Congregational Church. Santa’s Hut is open through Christmas Eve.
More info

✨ Holidays at the Estate
Concord — Nov. 29–Dec. 19
Kimball Jenkins hosts its first-ever seasonal celebration with illuminated grounds, gingerbread displays, artisan shopping, live performances, workshops, Santa visits, and more. Family-friendly, mostly free.

More info

🕯️ Candlelight Stroll
Portsmouth — Dec. 12–14, 19–21
Step into 350+ years of holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Enjoy decorated historic houses, costumed roleplayers, wandering musicians, hot cider, a bonfire, and Ice Dance International’s Vintage Christmas Skaters (weather permitting).
More info

Do you want to support Granite Post’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 30,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Britteny Dee.

It was edited by Paula Solis.

Granite Post is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.