The town of Hoffman will have its annual tree lighting on Monday at 5 p.m. at the Parks and Recreations Center located at 106 Thompson St.

The celebration has moved to the newly renovated center. Before this year, residents would gather at Town Hall to watch the live tree in lights.

The town is keeping its Christmas spirit high despite having no decorations due to the renovations on U.S. 1.

David Kelly, a town council member and head of public relations, said that it was hard to get the poles to hang them.

But the show must go on, and it will.

“It was just a joy the first time that it happened,” Kelly said of the annual event.

It began in 2007 and the town is determined to keep it going.

The feeling of Christmas will be enhanced by community choirs singing Christmas carols.

And whether its warm or cold, attendants will have a chance to partake in the homemade soup by the town’s own Mayor Joann Thomas.

“I cook it by myself every year,” she said.

Pizza and other refreshments will be available as well.

When it comes to Christmas, Thomas said that, for the most part, she just thinks of it as another year that the Lord has spared us.

In terms of religion, this holiday season is about celebrating the life of the Lord.

“This is a time for family and friends to get together,” Thomas said. “And it’s a chance to see new faces if people aren’t from the area.”

The small town, that in 2000 only had 624 residents, is continuing on its path for growth and is spreading joy from their not so small hearts.

“We want to start out Christmas right,” said Councilman Tommy Hart.

The event is free.

Staff Writer Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mail at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com