It’s beginning to look a lot like …

Well, you know the rest.

It seems even before Thanksgiving day is finished, the Christmas season is in full-force with retailers, capitalizing on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

Decorations are going up around town and in houses throughout Pike County.

And the Christmas spirit is starting to flow.

And the easiest way to tell?

It’s time for the parades.

This week, three communities in our county will host their annual parades: Troy, at 6 p.m. Monday; Brundidge, at 6 p.m. Tuesday; and Goshen., at 6 p.m. Friday.

Along with the parades come tree lighting ceremonies, marching bands, a camp stew supper and more.

These parades are more than just an annual tradition. They are events that celebrate all that is good and wholesome and memorable in our communities. They anchor traditions that build memories – from families lining up together to watch the floats to waving at Santa as he rides by.

And if you haven’t caught the Christmas spirit yet, they’re sure to put you in the mood.

There’s much more to Pike County’s holiday celebration, as well: Sheila Jackson annual concert is Dec. 9; the Sounds of the Season concert hosted by Troy University is Dec. 1; the Chili Country Christmas at the We Piddle Around Theatre in Brundidge is Dec. 2-3; the First Baptist Church’s Christmas concert Agnus Dei is Dec. 10 and 11; and the Troy University Concert Chorale’s “Tidings of Joy” concert is Nov. 29.

That’s simply a start to the list. We know that Pike Countians can find plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season of Christmas in song, worship, activities and more.

So pull out our silver bells and your Santa hat and get ready to celebrate the holidays in your hometown.

After all, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.