Many people think I love the day after Thanksgiving because I can rest after feeding my rather large family.

I usually have more than 100 each year at Twin Oaks, but really, I love the day after Thanksgiving because it is the official kick off of Christmas in Natchez.

It’s time. It’s time for everyone to get out your Christmas decorations, check out your lights, and get ready for the holidays. I am urging everyone in Natchez to decorate as much as you can for Christmas in Natchez.

Christmas in Natchez is building into something so wonderful for our town. Now with LED lights and timers it is not as costly. Please turn your porch lights on from dark until whatever time you see fit, all year.

Let’s light up Natchez. We have preserved architecture, a city set on one of the most scenic parts of the Mississippi River, a downtown that still has life to it, a variety of restaurants and things to do. Let’s turn our lights on to show how proud we are of our town.

If you haven’t noticed, the city elves have already started the process and have been working diligently to get garlands, wreaths and lights hung in time for Christmas in Natchez, City of Lights opening day, Friday, Nov. 25. Every year festivities begin with the turkey gumbo cook-off, holiday music and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

I cannot mention the city elves with out giving a big shout out to our best volunteer who has worked endlessly to light up Natchez and restore the vintage IP ornaments for the bluff — Mike Lomansey. Thank you Mike!

To showcase all of his hard work this year we will have a special lighting ceremony with a free street dance and fireworks from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday Nov. 26.

If you all remember, this all began with the excitement Ginger Hyland started with her “Jeweled Christmas” at the Towers. If you have not seen this I am telling you it is beyond fantastic.

This year we have added ice skating on the bluff for two days and three days of fireworks and much more for your family and our visitors to enjoy during our holiday season.

If you have not seen Brandon Hall on the Trace, your chance is on Saturday, Dec. 3 when a carriage tour of the grounds and a tour of the house will take place.

I am preparing a Christmas Tea at Twin Oaks on Friday Dec. 23; Bridget Green is opening her home, the Burn, for three weekends for a special tour with a Christmas cocktail.

There will be free concerts on Thursdays in the beautiful lobby of the Eola Hotel, church concerts, a special weekend at Melrose and a driving tour of the lights of Longwood.

There are so many great events this year you will be hearing about from other volunteers and organizers of events. The best thing to do is go to our website and read about all the fun things and mark your calendars. A list of those can be found at www.christmasinnatchez.com.

Here are just a few things you need to know:

4To enter the Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off you need to come with 5 gallons of gumbo prepared and with a heating rig to keep it at 165 degrees. It is free to enter. There are two categories, chefs and home cooks. For more information contact me at 601-445-0338.

4To register for the TurkeyTrot and fun run on Saturday, Nov. 26 go to our website.

4Ice Skating tickets are available at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at the Visitor Reception Center or online. Children 5 and under must be accompanied by someone 16 years or older.

4Fireworks are sponsored by the City of Natchez, Adams County, the City of Vidalia and many of our generous businesses, First Natchez Radio and Christmas in Natchez three nights this year, Saturday, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and 10.

4 There are lovely Christmas in Natchez brochures designed by Carol Ann Riley and provided by the Natchez CVB at the visitors center to send your friends and put on your refrigerator as a reminder of all there is to do in our lovely town.

I look forward to seeing you all during the festivities, and remember you can do your part by lighting your home or business to be one of the many shining stars of Natchez this Christmas.

Regina Charboneau is the co-chair of Christmas in Natchez.