Panniqtuuq (Dec 22/03) - With only a few more sleeps until Christmas, Panniqtuuq is already immersed in the holiday spirit.

For the past three weeks, the recreation committee has been working to finalize this year's Christmas schedule.

"It's going to be a very busy holiday," said Jack Maniapik, chairman of the recreation committee.

Maniapik joked that everyone will be having fun during Christmas except him.

"Every year I think I'm going to get a holiday but I end up working," he said. "I enjoy it. The games are a lot of fun."

The festivities kicked off Dec. 20 with the Santa Claus parade.

The celebration really gets going on Christmas Day and doesn't stop until Jan. 2, 2004.

All week long there will be teen dances at the community centre, indoor games at Atagoyuk Ilisavik and outdoor games on the sea ice. Dec. 27 will see the ptarmigan and rabbit hunt and Dec. 28 is the community feast.

"There's something for everyone," Maniapik said.