I have something to share with you, that upon learning these facts, many might prefer to say “No not now, I’m not ready for that.”

In a few weeks we will see many ghouls and goblins chanting “Trick or Treat” throughout the streets of our community. Thanksgiving is still a month away. But, for the youth of our community and the child at heart, Christmas can’t come fast enough. The spirit of the yuletide season embraces us all as the memories of the sights, sounds and the smells from holiday kitchens fill our hearts and minds.

The time has come to prepare for the memorable moments to be created by the Christmas of 2008.

For the past few months the Natchez Christmas Parade Committee has been outlining the plans, and now it’s time to put said plans into motion.

The theme for this year will be “Christmas around the World.” We ask that if you plan to be an active participant in this year’s activities and parade that you keep this theme in mind.

We hope to highlight celebrations from various countries, states and communities around the world and locally as well.

The lighting of the Main Street Christmas Tree will be at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 with the angelic voices of our communities’ youth singing holiday carols as well as the choirs from various area churches and organizations.

After the tree is lit there will be a window decorating contest, and open house at many downtown businesses for you to explore.

The parade itself will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 with more of the colorfully lighted and decorated floats introduced last year, bands and representatives of area churches, businesses, schools, community organizations, and let us not forget the arrival of Santa. There are also plans to offer a free showing of a classic holiday movie immediately following the parade in the shadows of the Christmas tree on Commerce Street.

So come out and bring your lawn chairs, sip a hot chocolate, and snuggle beneath a warm blanket as we officially welcome Christmas 2008 to the Miss-Lou.

For parade applications please contact the following: Carrie Lambert with Natchez Downtown Development, 601-442-2929; Darrell White with NAPAC Museum, 601-445-0728; Helen Brooks for all riding clubs, 601-807-0376.

It’s never too early to start planning a celebration!

Darrell White is the director of the NAPAC Museum.