As the classic song goes, it’s that most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for tree lighting, Santa arrivals, community cheer and a lot of giving.

So, to kick off the weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area, the season of celebrating and giving is getting a big jump start with the annual Rumson DPW Toy Drive today and tonight and Fair Haven’s tree lighting, Santa visit and holiday stroll through the business district.

It begins today from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in Rumson with the annual toy drive, which is a festive community gathering packed with holiday spirit.

“The employees of the Rumson Public Works Department will once again be volunteering their time to collect new toys for needy children,” the Rumson website announced. “They are asking you to help by donating a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy for a boy or girl.”

And this isn’t your ordinary drop off and run toy drive. People in the area like to gather, socialize, sip on some cocoa and give. The event, for those who cannot make it on Friday, is also run on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And down the road in Fair Haven, Santa is coming to town again on the firetruck. The borough’s annual tree lighting and celebrating starts at 5 p.m. with Santa arriving at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park at the corner of Fair Haven and River roads.

The usual holiday festivities will ensue, with games, crafts, song, photos with Santa and a stroll in the business district where businesses will hold open houses, offer refreshments, specials and socializing.

You never know who you’ll run into — a snowman, a neighbor or an old friend. It’s all about the Fair Haven community spirit tonight.

And, continued over the weekend …

Fair Haven Councilman Christopher Rodriquez is reminding folks to
“please bring a new unwrapped toy to one of three locations on Saturday: Rec basketball games at Knollwood and Sickles gyms and the Library. Send me a message if you have questions about timing or anything else and thanks for bringing joy to kids in need.”

And at 39 Parker Avenue, resident Maria Ruscigno, in an effort to give back the kindness she and her family received when their son was hospitalized, is conducting a pajama drive for Jersey Shore University Medical Center to keep sick kids and their parents cozy through the holidays and beyond. The collecting is being done right on her porch. She invites residents to stop over and see her decorations and drop off some PJs.

“Happy Friday Fair Haven friends, we are still collecting Pajamas for Jersey Shore Medical Center families!!!” she said in a Facebook post. “Swing by this weekend check out the small display we did and perhaps donate a pair of Pajamas.
39 PARKER AVE!!!!!!!!”

Happy holiday celebrating, all! See you around the towns!