Alright everyone, on the count of three, “One, two, three, Merry Christmas!”

Each of you has a chance to participate in a great Christmas gift to some of the area’s most deserving folks.

Natchez resident Karlyn Ritchie dreamed up the idea of creating a community Christmas card for local military troops and their families who are serving abroad this holiday season.

Ritchie’s idea led to a quick discussion with Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton, who volunteered the use of the city’s bucket truck to allow a photographer a bird’s-eye view.

The plans are set to take a community Christmas card photo at noon on Thursday along Broadway Street.

All area residents are invited to participate. The cost is free and, who knows, a few minutes of your time may result in a quick smile on the face of a soldier in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Providing a local soldier with just a little glimpse of home may help make a few of the thousands of miles of distance melt away — even if only briefly.

What a great way to show how much our community cares about local soldiers who volunteered to risk their lives to protect our freedoms.

We look forward to seeing the photograph and seeing just how much holiday spirit the Miss-Lou can conjure up on Thursday.