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Area is getting ready for Christmas

I’m still waiting for Halloween and Thanksgiving, but plans already are being made for Christmas in some of our local communities.

That particularly is true in Weirton, where two big announcements have been made in the last week for plans to help usher in some of the local celebrations.

First, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce announced its plans to expand on its annual Christmas Parade with the addition of ice sculptures, sponsored by local businesses, and placed along portions of Main Street.

There also will be a live ice sculpting demonstration taking place prior to the parade.

Then, on Tuesday, the City of Weirton, as part of a special council meeting held at Weirton Elementary School, announced it would bring back the tradition of a community Christmas tree, including a light-up night on Nov. 19.

For years, there had been a large tree, with lights and decorations, on the corner of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in the city.

Reminders of that tradition appear each year through the efforts of the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, representatives of which post photos on social media and through other displays.

I have read several comments on Facebook, as well, from residents who remember that tree and wonder about it coming back.

Well, now we have the return of an old tradition, thanks to city council, and the growth of some new traditions, thanks to the chamber.

Christmas itself is still a couple of months away, but it will be only a few weeks before we see these local celebrations return.

Christmas is a time of year to try and come together, help others and celebrate our families, friends and community.

Each town has a special way to observe the holiday, and I’m glad to see that continue, whether it be a parade, a light contest, special performances by local choirs or theater groups, or the placement of a Nativity.

It’s good we are able to reach into our past for inspiration as part of our local observances, while also looking for new ways to mark the occasion.

It’s also good that we are always looking for ways to involve as much of our local towns and cities as possible.

Hometown celebrations help to bring areas together, whether they are organized to observe a special occasion or a particular season or holiday.

The leaves are still on many of the trees, and the temperature is only now starting to drop, but it’s also nice to see the minds of many residents turning toward that most wonderful time of the year.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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