Five Things to Start Your Day: Dec. 6

1. FORECAST:

Thursday: Much colder and breezy with mainly sunny skies. Highs in the low to mid 40s. Light north wind.

Friday: Morning sunshine then increasing clouds by afternoon. Could be a shower late. Highs in the upper 40s to low 50s.

Saturday: Showery and raw. Low 50s.

2. GINGERBREAD HOUSE PARTY: They're real, and they'll be ready to decorate with lots of fun and festive candies from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at 586 Massachusetts Ave., in Acton. This is a drop-off event for kids ages 6 and up; younger children are welcome with an adult helper. Cost is $30 per child. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Call 978-264-4488 to register.

3. BEARLY READ BOOKS HOLIDAY SALE: Bearly Read Books will hold its annual holiday sale through Sunday, Dec. 9. Just about everything will be discounted 20-40 percent.

4. PATCH WANTS TO PAY YOUR ELECTRIC BILL: No, we're not kidding. Join our "Deck the House" contest to learn more. Sudbury residents click here; Acton residents click here.

5. WHAT TO CELEBRATE TODAY: St. Nicholas Day is today. Yes, there really was a christian Saint Nicholas. He lived in Greece, just a couple hundred years after the birth of Christ. This day is in honor of Saint Nicholas and his life. Saint Nicholas became a priest, and later, a Bishop of the early Catholic Church. True to the christian concept of giving up belongings and following Christ, St. Nicholas gave up all of his belongings. He was well-known for giving to needy people, especially children.