It’s almost that time of year for the Hospice of San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights events.

Communities such as Manteca and Ripon look forward to this holiday gathering for the lighting of trees – each light on the tree represents the life of a loved one.

This year’s Tree of Light theme is “Light Up a Light, Light Up a Life.”

In Ripon, the Tree of Light event will take place at the Veteran’s Memorial Wall, 311 First St., at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28.

The tree-lighting at Doctors Hospital of Manteca is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1.

The Tree of Lights program helps those left behind transition from grief and sorrow to remembrance and honoring.

The lighting ceremonies have become a local tradition for both the community and individual families by offering an opportunity for community members to gather and reflect, according to Hospice of San Joaquin.

For more information, log on to www.hospicesj.org or call 209.957.3888.