City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.

Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile …

The sweet sights and sounds of Christmas.

As Santa and his elves are busy checking lists and tying up loose ends at the North Pole, his many elves right here in Lunenburg County are busy preparing for the holiday season too. Preparations are underway for a Christmas Parade and Small Town Christmas Celebration in Victoria set to take place Dec. 7 and 8. No small task, events of this type take countless hours and many volunteers to ensure a great time is had by all.

This year’s events include a Christmas parade Friday evening, starting at 7 p.m. on Tidewater Avenue and winding its way down Main Street spreading Christmas joy and cheer. On Saturday the seventh annual Small Town Christmas Celebration begins. A breakfast with Mrs. Clause at Central Café starts off the day, followed by a Christmas card workshop, ornament decorating, pictures with Santa, a Christmas Shoppe Craft House, Barrell Train Rides, lunch with the Grinch (who could resist), all-day face painting, caroling and even a marshmallow roast! The sidewalks promise to be busy, the streets will be decked out in holiday style and that wonderful feeling of Christmas will fill the air.

We acknowledge that Christmas has different meanings for different people. For Christians the birth of Christ is the greatest of these. His love has and continues to bestow great blessings upon the world. For those of other faiths the spirit of Christmas also encompasses the love and the feelings of goodness, kindness and joy. Christmas is a time that people of all faiths can come together and share the Christmas spirit.

We commend all the organizers and volunteers for spreading Christmas joy and cheer throughout the holiday season. Your hard work and dedication are noticed and appreciated.