Visions of sugar plums dance in the heads of Brookhaven shoppersas one of the community’s favorite holiday traditions is fastapproaching.

The Christmas Open House will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. and is certain to have something for everyone, saidKay Burton of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber ofCommerce.

“We knew that Mistletoe Marketplace was the second weekend inNovember and we didn’t want to have conflicting dates with that,”she said. “And by being a week earlier, this gives people a chanceto get their shopping done locally and early in the season.”

The Open House involves around 40 businesses that will haveholiday sales and will feature their stores adorned in holidaydecor.

“It’s a fun event every year,” said Burton. “And it’s a good wayfor citizens of the community to get into the holiday spirit.”

Newly chosen Miss Merry Christmas Eleanor Valentine will bepresent, as will many other community dignitaries, said Burton.Organizers say many of the store owners have special guests plannedto sign books or autographs or greet customers at the door onSaturday.

Discounts, door prizes, and refreshments will add extraincentives for people to whom kicking off the Christmas season isnot enough.

“It’s just a great event to officially get in gear for theholiday season,” said Burton.

Some citizens are looking forward to exploring Brookhaven’sestablished businesses, as well as some new ones, like JustKiddin’, a children’s store located on Railroad Avenue.

The stores involved are located throughout the Brookhaven area,which organizers hope will give a Christmasy feel to the entirecommunity, and will prepare them for the upcoming ChristmasParade.

It will be held Nov. 29 and the Tour of Homes takes place Dec.1.

Burton said people with questions about the Christmas Open Houseare encouraged to call the Chamber of Commerce at (601)833-1411.