This year I am especially looking forward to the day after Thanksgiving, not because it is Black Friday when all the stores and shops have huge sales, but because it is the official kick-off date of “Christmas in Natchez.”

On Friday, we are hoping you will gather with family and friends downtown for shopping, eating and enjoying a great event. Shops will be decorated and ready for the season, there will be a turkey gumbo cook-off, that will end with a ceremony and celebrating the Lighting of the Tree and turning on the lights of Natchez. A street dance will follow with the blues singing duo of Osgood and Blaque.

Many people have asked me “Why do you think people would want to come to Natchez during the Christmas season?”

For me, this is simple. Christmas is a warm and wonderful holiday and this is what we have to offer:

4People love Natchez any time of the year.

4Our average temperature this time of the season is 51-61 degrees (there are many people that consider that almost tropical this time of year).

4Historic homes decorated and hosting holiday events and tours.

4The Towers, which is decorated unlike any house in America for the holidays. It is going to be a holiday treasure for years to come.

4Gorgeous historic churches with amazing concerts

4Unique shops and restaurants

4A charming, newly decorated downtown

4Music and caroling on Main Street every day from 5-6

4A host of new events; Peter and the Wolf Puppet show, Danny O’Flaherty’s Celtic Christmas, Teddy Bear Tea (go online to see all of the events www.natchezatchristmas.com

4Never forget our wonderful view of the Mississippi River

4But, best of all we have you, the people of Natchez, who are so hospitable and wonderful to all who visit Natchez.

Why you need to light up?

Several years ago there was a meeting trying to think of ideas to help Natchez. Two new residents came up with the idea for everyone to turn their porch lights on. Something that simple brings instant warmth to visitors as they enter our town. Personally, I thought it was one of the best ideas that came from the meeting. I am urging everyone in Natchez to decorate as much as you can for Christmas in Natchez. This could build 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.

Natchez may seem faded to all that have lived here for long periods of time, and after a time you may not see the beauty outsiders see when they come to visit.

Our visitors, however, see all the preserved architecture, a city set on one of the most scenic parts of the Mississippi River, a downtown that still has some 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.

Regina Charboneau is an organizer of Christmas in Natchez.