It’s been decades since I’ve made a Christmas ornament, and I believe if I had to make one now, it would look a lot like it did then. Blobby construction paper cut outs weighted down with glue and spattered with glitter. The Arc of Orange County's tree last year.

I’m glad to say the trees lined up to appear at The Arc of Orange County’s Festival of Trees will be better than that. Pat Richardson, the director of development for the Arc, named off a few of the themed trees that will appear at this festival where people can bid on the trees (proceeds benefit the organization that helps those with developmental disabilities). French Connections in Pittsboro is doing a tree featuring items from places where they acquire store merchandise, such as Ghana or Paris. The Ronald McDonald House is doing a “Home is Where the Heart is” themed tree. And Fleet Feet Sports in Carrboro is doing a sports themed tree, which will be festooned with running shoes and the like.

I’ve just heard word that Chapel Hill Magazine is doing a tree, but I don’t think I’ll be contributing my bad glitter ornaments. Our tree will be called ARTISTREE 2, and will include small ornaments from galleries and artists around town. Want to contribute? Contact Susan Reda at susan.e.reda@gmail.com

 The Arc is holding a gala Sat. Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. where an auction will be held, and the Arc still has tickets for $50 each or $80 per couple. The trees will be on display at The ArtsCenter at University Mall from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6.  Call 942-5119 or visit www.arcororangefot.org for more information.