Five Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 17

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for rain before 2 p.m., then drizzle likely. High near 39. Northeast wind around 14 mph. On Monday night, there will be rain. Low around 39. East wind 8 to 13 mph.

2. City Council meeting: The Portsmouth City Council will meet on Monday at 7 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda can be viewed on the city's web site.

3. Free holiday parking: The city continues to offer free downtown parking from now until Jan. 2 for the holiday season, which means city residents and visitors who want to do some shopping, go out to eat or take in a show can park at metered spaces for their allotted time period. Drivers will be fined if they leave their vehicles in metered spaces longer than the allowed time period. 

4. Send your prayers to Newtown, Conn.: If you would like to , Conn., following Friday's shooting tragedy, use this Patch feature.

5. Santa now accepting letters: Kids who want to write a letter to Santa and want a response can write to Santa until Dec. 19. According to city officials, the letters should be sent to: Santa Claus at the North Pole, 155 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth, NH, 03801. Make sure the letter includes a full name and return address clearly printed so Santa can write back!