Natchez has a great opportunity to become a Christmas destination for visitors and locals alike, but we must work together with a shared vision to make it happen.

Years ago, a kind, talented worker at International Paper Company’s Natchez mill turned his talents into a multi-generational pastime by creating beautiful holiday Christmas displays for the community.

Some of those original displays are now owned by the City of Natchez and have been displayed on the Natchez bluff along Broadway Street for the past several years.

Unfortunately, rough handling, the elements and vandalism have made some of those holiday displays far from noteworthy. Some are downright shameful.

Rudolph, the famous fictional red-nosed reindeer, is not only missing his famous proboscis, but the rest of his head, too.

The “Seasons Greetings” sign atop one display is cracked in half.

Lighted displays are dark.

The displays, once a much anticipated holiday must-see, have become a painful view for those who remember the heydays of the displays.

Efforts are under way to organize a team of volunteers who, along with the city’s public works crews, plan to work to renovate the displays.

We realize the city has had cash issues over the last few years, however, we can think of no better investment to help draw people to downtown than to rehabilitate the displays and make them a destination again.

Having a regionally known Christmas display can connect a new generation to the wonders of Christmas that fascinated and inspired so many generations in Natchez’s past.