Not many more sleeps until we celebrate Christmas.
The festive mood for me starts when we have the Santa Parade downtown, and as we get closer to Christmas day we see more and more decorative lights throughout the community ... more lawns with decorations of the nativity scene, blown up cheery looking Santa Clauses, and lots of candy canes, all to help get us in the mood that is the festive season.
You get more smiles from folks on the streets, in stores or shopping around town, than you get at any other time of the year. I love it.
People seem to be happier in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Especially the children as it is such a magical time for them.
Community togetherness also seems to intensify with a lot of volunteer effort coming to the front to help those in the community who need food and presents for some youngsters who may go without.
Students who gathered all the food, over two tons, for this year’s Poverty Challenge worked hard and I suspect they know about the good feeling that comes with volunteering and helping others. Good for them.
It is special at Christmas.
Santa is also making his annual appearances at the Boitanio Mall this weekend and leading up to Christmas there are concerts and other festive activities.
The merchants in town celebrated Christmas with Black Friday last weekend, and on the Dec. 26 will also take part in the Boxing Day sales.
I hope many people decided to shop here at home in Williams Lake this year.
We don’t need more empty businesses in the city and remember many businesses in this town give back to the community through contributions or working with the many services organizations.
Christian churches are preparing for larger congregations as they lead up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It is this time to be happy and enjoy that which is offered for celebration in Williams Lake along with the lights and decorations of Christmas.
Don’t be afraid to wish a Merry Christmas to everyone even the politically correct who want us to use something like ‘happy holidays’ with no mention of Christmas.
Get the Merry Christmas Magic, Williams Lake...it’s catching!
Ken Wilson is a freelance columnist with the Tribune/Advisor.