People are being encouraged to put pen to paper as the Christmas story of Mary and Joseph returns to Tauranga next month.

The Christmas story of Mary and Joseph will come to life on December 11, with a walk from the No.1 The Strand from 5.40pm. The singing of carols is expected to start at the Edgewater Fan at 6pm.

The event is free and is a fantastic, fun family event.

Organisers says children are invited to dress up as shepherds or angels and follow Mary and Joseph on a donkey from No.1 The Strand to The Edgewater Fan, where they can join in a chorus of festive carols.

'The event is a chance for people of all faiths and no faith to come and hear the Christian story behind Christmas.”

This year the organisers are holding a colouring competition with fantastic prizes for both adult and children entrants.

Categories are Preschool, 3 – 5 years, 5 – 8 years, 9 – 12 years and adult.

The prizes are: preschool 1^st $20, Runner up $10, 5-8yrs 1^st $30, Runner Up $15, 9-12yrs 1^st $30, Runner Up $15 and Adult 1^st $75, Runner Up $30.

Go to http://pages.sunlive.co.nz/colouring-comp/ and download an A4 version of the adult or children's colouring in image and go for it.

Entries will need to be handed in to Sun Media office, No 1 The Strand before 5pm Thursday, December 8.

Winners will be announced at the Carols on the Waterfront event.