Santa is knocking at the door of our hearts and memories, cider is about to be mulled, trees hung with glass dreams fashioned to kindle love in our hearts and the round of parties is about to begin.

We of the Committee That Never Meets, whose goal is to support our beloved Sunrise Theater, have a great deal to celebrate this holiday season.

By sending in small amounts, medium amounts and some larger gifts, we have raised close to $17,000. How about that for some Ho-Ho-Ho?

In a way the CTNM is a secret society for we do not necessarily know who else is in the group, and we wish more would join us. We keep a warm glow in our hearts at every opera, concert, movie or show because we are the angels for this theater.

We are not alone and actually follow in the steps of donors and patrons who came long before and indeed some among our number are in both groups.

We have yet to make up a secret handshake or have a button for our lapel, but at this time of the year when Santa is looking for good deeds, you may see us with an added twinkle in our eyes for we know that we are in Santa's Good Book!

Now it is time for the first-ever CTNM Christmas Party.

Here are the details: On the night of Dec. 21, we will all sit in our various homes, feet up, have a drink and toast the Sunrise.

We should even write a check (large or small) as our holiday offering. Santa does not forget anyone, and as this is the first night of Chanukah, you may also wish to take some time from that celebration to raise a glass.

I am a strong believer that Santa comes into everyone's life in one form or another and certainly leaves us all gifts, the Sunrise being one.

It is a holiday time in many of the faiths around the world and around our town, even if one believes only in the good will we wish to tap.

Now is as good a time as any to celebrate. And the lucky ones of us who unwrap this gift opera after opera, concert after concert and film by film, we lucky ones tap into that good will each time.

We leave not only uplifted by the performances but by the real and secret joy of being a stake holder in the very building and in the purpose behind all of this art.

As a child I could sense the thrill of Christmas long before the holiday began, the baking, the "shh-ing" when kids came into a room of adults. And oh, the thought of seeing Santa, sitting on his lap and maybe seeing him in the sky on "the night," can anything replace that tingle?

Well, yes, being in a secret society where a wink and a nod may say "I am one too, I am a member of The Committee."

We almost never speak of it, holding both the Sunrise and our small part in it dear, but there we sit, smiling and feeling a little elf-like this time of year, doing the work of Santa on a daily basis.

For many years we looked in stockings or around the table at Chanukah waiting for the gifts but now, in our second childhood, we know that it is far better to be the one who can walk by the Sunrise and know that "I own a part of that."

Giving is the best of what we can do.

So, I am writing another check to our dear Sunrise. We all can, any amount will help close out the year . We can give a lovely gift to ourselves, our children and our town.

As I write that check I may even hear the slight jiggling of far off bells, someone getting ready for a special night, or some light from a distant menorah .... all signs of giving and caring for one another.

So, I will be thinking of you all, my silent pals, sitting in your homes, drink in hand and love in your heart as we toast one another and the Sunrise.

See you next year, same as this .... never meeting but always together in our love of the special and wonderful gift that art is right here in our own dear town.

Joyce Reehling lives in Pinehurst. She recently retired here from New York after a 33-year career in theater, TV and commercials.