It was a Welcome Back party with a holiday theme at The Cedars on Dec. 6 as residents gathered for a festive evening. They enjoyed good food and conversation with all in good spirits. In addition to exchanging stories of their activities during months away, plans were discussed for the holiday season.

Selby Gardens held its first annual Bromeliad Tree Lighting Ceremony with champagne and music by the gospel choir of the Westcoast School for Human Development. The holiday kick-off event precedes the opening of Selby's tropical celebration, Lights in Bloom.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee held its fourth annual Women's Day Monday. The event is an opportunity for women to come together over lunch.

Santa Claus made a special visit to Tara Elementary School Dec. 3. Guests enjoyed a dinner of pizza and pasta, dancing and pictures with St. Nick.

A fabulous gala with a wonderful dinner and featuring some of Sarasota's lovely leading ladies in a

Laurel Park residents gathered Sunday for their annual holiday gala.

Laurel Park residents gathered Sunday for a tree-decorating party.

Hundreds of East County residents flocked to Main Street in Lakewood Ranch for the St. Andrews Scottish Festival Dec. 4. During the event, which is designed to bring awareness to Scottish traditions while raising funds for pediatric brain cancer, guests enjoyed performances by country music star David Nail, the Sarasota Scottish Country Dancers and the Jacobites Pipe & Drum Band, among others. Other festivities included face painting and other activities for children, Scottish beer samplings and a haggis-hurling competition, among others.

Bashaw Elementary School students enjoyed some holiday fun during the school's holiday festival Dec. 4. Students and their families enjoyed bounce houses, face painting, carnival-style games, refreshments and a performance by the Bashaw chorus, among other activities.

Members of Christ Presbyterian Church rang in the holiday season during the church's Festival and International Bazaar of Hope Dec. 4. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, a picnic-style lunch and baked goods, bounce houses and a silent auction, among other activities.