Christmas Eve came on a Wednesday this year, and although school had been excused for over the past week and a half, with many more days off to come, the excitement of Christmas Day was almost palpable throughout the town’s youth. The adults had been well engaged, lights having been hung about the downtown La Plata area, decorating the streetlights and businesses down Main Street. Advertisements for A Christmas Carol were backlit on the Port Tobacco Player’s marquee, although the stage would be closed for the holiday in preparation for the 1981 season.