Well, here we are. The early days of December. The Christmas season has finally arrived.
And with it come the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and emotions that time of year always brings.
The city's annual Christmas parade is coming up December 7 and while crowds enjoyed the colorful floats and an early visit from old St. Nick himself, things will be a bit different thanks to COVID-19. The spectators will drive by and the parade will remain stationary!
In the days to come, families will be putting up their Christmas trees, young and old delighting in the sparkling lights and bright decorations. If the tree is freshly cut, then the fragrant aroma of evergreen will fill the room as well.
Many stores and offices feature Christmas music this time of year and a local radio station usually programs holiday tunes around the clock. The songs run the gamut, From traditional favorites like "Silent Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" to more modern songs like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Blue Christmas" to the latest numbers and re-recordings by today's artists, holiday music offers something for everyone.
Then there is the shopping experience. Plenty of toys for all ages in the stores.
Some readers likely finished their Christmas shopping a while ago, maybe on Black Friday. Other will be finished soon and still others will be prowling the stores on Christmas Eve.
There will be old Christmas movies and TV specials along with some new offerings on TV this month. And of course anyone who doesn't want to to wait for an old favorite can buy the DVD or use an online service to stream the title to their computer or TV screen anytime they want.
One thing you don't see as much of anymore is elaborate house and lawn decorations. That's too bad. It wasn't all that long ago that folks drove slowly around neighborhoods like Kensington Park to see the lights and other decorations. Some homeowners still make a good effort, but the practice has been dying out for years now. At least around these parts. We miss it.
Yes, the outward and visible signs of Christmas will be everywhere this month. But there is more to Christmas than that.
There will be church services and community gatherings for the faithful. Plenty of opportunity to pray for God's blessings on our nation and world. And plenty of opportunity to thank Him for the blessings we too often take for granted.
There are many in our community who need help this holiday season. There will be no joy for them unless someone - a friend, a neighbor, a kind-hearted stranger - chooses to step in.
That's where the true Christmas spirit makes itself known - by what we do for those who are less fortunate.
After all, the one for whom Christmas is named told us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
We can't tell you what to do or where to put your money. That's up to you. We can only encourage each and every one of you to remember why we celebrate in the first place and follow your heart this Christmas season.