"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the five things in the comments section.

1. Vote for Top It Off in the Boston Main Streets Deck the Windows contest.
2. Today children can learn to Decorate a Gingerbread House at the West Roxbury Library for free. 4 p.m. Space is limited, so call first. 617-325-3147 ext. 3156.
3. Have you walked the Labyrinth at the Stratford Street United Church? Try it out, you never know what you'll find...
4. It's parent-teacher conference day at St. Theresa's. Conferences are for kindergarten through grade 5 and will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 and 5 to 7 p.m. School will be dismissed at noon. There will be no aftercare.
5. Do you want to win the Boston Public Schools $100,000? Participate in the Deck Your House holiday house contest. Several winners will win money to pay your heating bill.