Did you hear the sounds of jingle bells ringing this week? No, then you must not have been listening very closely. As sure as St. Nick will take flight next Christmas Eve, Christmas also made a return appearance in Natchez this week.

That’s right, the hard work and dedication of the volunteers with the Christmas in Natchez Committee managed to keep the jingling sounds extended into late February this year.

Only this time the jingling sound was coming from cold hard cash dropping into the City of Natchez’s tax coffers.

Actual sales tax payments returned to the city always come back two months after the tax is collected. That means this month’s increase in taxes over the previous year indicates that more folks were spending money this holiday.

While not up a humongous amount, an increase is an increase and the city should be happy to have an extra $12,000 in its account over last year.

The increased economic activity is almost certainly due in large part to a herculean effort put forth by the Christmas in Natchez group to make the holiday season truly an event for our area.

In only its third year the event is making headlines and making money for the city. The committee’s hard work is a gift to Natchez and one that is truly appreciated.

Merry Christmas to Natchez — and thanks for all the hard work.