The Week Ahead: Decorating Contests, Meetings and Last Minute Gift Ideas

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the land, folks are rushing to and fro to ensure the holidays are grand. If you're worried you'll miss what's happening in Tinton Falls and Eatontown, check out this handy list from Patch, which we hope helps to calm you down.

Holiday House Decorating Contests

Patch has thrown its hat into the holiday house decorating ring this season with its Deck the House contest going on now. Check out all the and don't delay: Patch is donating $100,000 to the winner's school district.

Although the deadline has passed to enter Holiday Home Decorating Contest, there's still time to show off your lighting handiwork.

In , folks have until midnight Tuesday to vote for their favorite house. Click on this link and choose your five favorites of the 25 homes selected by the Recreation elves.

The folks at Eatontown rec will announce on Wednesday the winner of that borough's contest, which was based on things like creativity, using time-honored themes and traditions and of course, use of inflatables.

Last Meetings of the Year

Eatontown Board of Education, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Eatontown Planning Board, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Eatontown Historical Committee, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. (Eatontown Museum)

Eatontown Borough Council, Dec. 20, 4:15 p.m.

Monmouth Regional Board of Education, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Tinton Falls Borough Council, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.

FMERA, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. (Tinton Falls Borough Hall)

Borough Closings

Even borough officials and employees need to time to regroup for the holidays and will get some time off this week, so don't even think about renewing your dog license or applying for a variance on the following days:

Eatontown:

Friday, Dec. 23: Borough offices close at noon

Monday, Dec. 26: Borough offices closed (no trash collection)

Tinton Falls:

Friday, Dec. 23: Borough offices closed

Monday, Dec. 26: Borough offices closed; Tinton Falls Library closed

Last Minute Gifts

• For your readers: from our very own Ellen O'Brien and Patti Forsman, librarians in Tinton Falls and Eatontown, respectively.
• For your juggling mama: Bring a little organization into her life with the from Tinton Falls mom and consummate organizer,
• For your carb junkie: The , over on Route 35 in Eatontown next to Rita's, has a selection of holiday treats that are perfect for the office or school holiday party.
• For your history buff: has all sorts of gift ideas in their including their commemorative 50th anniversary borough afghans and ornaments from the Woman's Club.