It's just barely December, and already Santa Claus is coming ... to Carney.

Sunday afternoon from 4-6 p.m., the Carney Improvement Association will host their annual community Christmas tree lighting at Carney Elementary School and you're invited.

"Come help us light the community Christmas tree and bring your kids, grandkids, little relatives and friends," CIA president Meg O'Hare wrote in an email to Patch.

Your friends and neighbors won't be the only ones around though — straight from the North Pole, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be available to visit with children, and you can take your own photos.

"Our Santa is the "real" Santa and sees children at Harford Mall.  Santa is very patient with all the children, does not rush them. The very charming Mrs. Santa always comes with Santa to this event," O'Hare said in the email.

If you decide to go, be sure to bring a non-perishable food item — the Carney Improvement Association is always collecting for Victor's Vittles, a Carney-based food pantry that serves the area.

"In the Spirit of the Season, especially in these hard economic times, please bring whatever non perishable food items you can spare for the needy of Carney," O'Hare said.

And if you're thinking about skipping to watch the Ravens take on the Browns? Forget it.

"Record the Ravens Game and watch it when you get home!"