The gatherings of family and friends, with plates of food, often surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday are only a few short days away, but as musical group Big Bad Voodoo Daddy sing, “Christmas is starting now.”

Of course, if you look at many of the national retail outlets, it started around mid October, but why nitpick?

No, for our area, Christmas is officially under way. Last week, Weirton officials held a private tree lighting ceremony in the city’s north end, seeing a long-held tradition return once again.

Down in Wheeling, the Fantasy in Lights Parade was held Friday night, featuring a variety of area businesses and organizations helping to celebrate the holiday season, along with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito serving as grand marshal.

This weekend, specifically Saturday afternoon and evening, part of Weirton’s main thoroughfare will be closed down for the annual Christmas on Main Street celebration.

Held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., the event features a variety of local food and craft vendors, performances by area musicians and dance groups, games and other attractions, and I’ve been told there may be a few other surprises.

It all culminates with the lighting of the large tree in front of the Millsop Community Center and a fireworks display to be set off from behind Municipal Plaza and visible to those gathered for the event.

The event has its roots in the aforementioned north end tree lighting, where the city would close down an area at the bottom of Pennsylvania Avenue to host a gathering with carolers, fireworks and refreshments. As the crowds grew there, the decision was made to move it downtown, where it has become even more popular (even drawing a crowd during COVID, with the event held in 2020 despite recommendations against it by local health officials).

It’s typically a fun time to come downtown, maybe see some friends and family, support our local civic organizations, artists and crafters, as well as businesses, see a few holiday attractions and just enjoy yourselves.

The festivities don’t stop there, though.

The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29, Wellsburg will be holding its parade, with residents lined up to see floats, dance groups and others making their way through a portion of that city’s downtown. I regret to say I don’t think I’ve ever attended a Wellsburg Christmas parade, probably because I’ve been trying to wrap up things for our weekend edition while it’s taking place. However, knowing some of those involved in putting the event together, it’s certain to be a festive time for those who do take part.

Weirton’s parade, organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held the next night, Nov. 30, with the festivities stepping off at 6 p.m.

The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley has been selected as this year’s honorary grand marshal, continuing to welcome the charitable organization which now serves our area following the dissolution of the Weirton United Way last year. They are slowly, but surely, building a presence in Weirton and Hancock County, and it will be good to have the organization and its member agencies represented.

I have many fond memories of Weirton’s parade, from getting up early in my youth to be able to find a good spot back when it was held on Saturday mornings, to covering it as a local reporter, to being part of the Chamber and seeing some of what actually goes into putting it together every year. It’s always an experience, with crowds of area residents lining Main Street to see all of the entries, decked out in lights, and welcoming Santa Claus, followed by gathering together to watch the fireworks which cap off the night.

New Cumberland’s parade will be Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. It has a very hometown feel, with local Scout troops, church groups, fire trucks and representatives of Oak Glen High School taking part. It’s not a big parade, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in that warmth of the season as a community comes together to celebrate.

I don’t know if everyone is quite ready for the holiday celebrations, but they are surely coming. I hope to see us all find a way to celebrate in our own way, and with each other.

(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/X @CHowellWDT)