Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 24

1. School vacation. Starting today, the Newton Public Schools will be off for December break. School will be back on session on Wednesday, Jan. 2. 

2. Library closing early. The Newton Free Library will close at 4 p.m. today for Christmas Eve.

3. Buy a tree, help the food pantry. If you're in need of a last-minute Christmas tree, Whole Foods on Walnut Street will donate a portion of Christmas tree sales this month to the Centre Street Food Pantry.

4. Looking for Christmas Eve services? Check out our events calendar. And, if your service isn't already in our calendar, make sure you add it! It takes just a couple of minutes and it's completely free. Simply click the "Add an Event" button at the top of the calendar. 

5. Reminder about Newton North facilities. If you use the recreation facilities at Newton North, they will be closed during the holiday season and throughout school vacation. The recreation facilities will reopen with the schools on Jan. 2.