Five Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 18

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for lots of rain. High near 48. East wind 8 to 13 mph. On Tuesday night, there will be more rain with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the evening.

2. Portsmouth Police step up school security: In wake of the Connecticut shootings, Portsmouth Police have stationed a full-time police officer at Portsmouth High School to go with the School Resource Officer at the Portsmouth Middle School and police patrols are paying more scrutiny to the city's three elementary schools.

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!