There was a buzzing all over Natchez this week as residents young and old awaited the downtown Christmas tree that sits, again, in the middle of Commerce and Main streets.

We’re starting a new tradition this year, based on the wonderful but quirky practice of erecting a giant tree in the middle of that busy intersection.

This year’s tree may be artificial, but the sentiment behind it is very real.

All week long, as each stage of the tree went up, curious onlookers took a peek at the growing tree &045; from metal &uot;trunk&uot; to frame and, finally Thursday, to the branches that helped it take the shape of a Christmas tree.

Along the way, a consensus seemed to be forming: If we can’t have a live tree, this is the next best thing.

And so it is with the same anticipation we’ve had every year that we await the lighting of this year’s tree, a bit different perhaps but one that should still spark the same holiday spirit.

Because what hasn’t changed is the community spirit that makes the tree possible in the first place.

Year after year, whether it was a family donating a tree from their yard or inviduals and groups donating money to buy this year’s tree, we have always come together to make sure this Christmas tradition continues.

Be sure to attend tonight’s tree lighting, beginning at 4:30, to salute an old tradition and help start a new one.