The Christmas season began with a blast of turkey, shopping, Iron Bowl football and family togetherness over the Thanksgiving holiday. Now, ‘tis the season to shop, bake and sing carols. Just as the tradition dictates Alabama vs. Auburn football will be fought the last week of November, this week I will put together the Holtville Christmas Village, (it’s so large and ornate it should have its own zip code), make a plan with my husband for specific shopping days, decide where to put the tree and anxiously await for the day to pick up our daughter and son-in-law from the airport, traveling home from the distant land of California.
I was pleasantly surprised last month when Emma told me she wanted extra time at home with me this year to do our traditional baking, decorating and caroling. Our family carols every year with special friends. My three girls loved to carol together when they were younger, but then it became a chore when they were all teenagers. Now, they seem delighted we still get out and ring doorbells and burst into song. Although, it is disarming when someone sings a hymn during caroling in a different version than the Elvis Christmas album. The Jay Christmas Parade is today at 10 a.m., and tomorrow is the lighting of the Bagdad Christmas tree in Village Square. Upcoming weekend events are Gallery Night in downtown on Friday and Saturday is the Milton Christmas Parade. This is the time our family enjoys shopping local and visiting with our friends and acquaintances. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Santa Rosa County.
The beginning of this special season is a time of peace and friendship, giving and sharing, love and contentment. Stir up the fire and add a few extra marshmallows to your hot chocolate for me. Unfortunately, this season I’m on a diet but I’m not going to say Bah! Humbug! until someone passes the pumpkin pie.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Happy Christmas season, y’all and Roll Tide