By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is behind us, and Christmas decorations are everywhere.

For the first time in several years, I was able to spend the Thanksgiving holidays with members of my extended family. Amidst hot chocolate, succulent ham, turkey and all the delicious sides, we reminisced about Thanksgivings past and caught up on each other’s lives.

Also for the first time in several years, I have actually made headway on my Christmas shopping this year even before December gets here.

Co-workers are spearheading decorating efforts here at the office to help us get in the Christmas spirit.

If circumstances have you feeling like it might be a rough Christmas season, take a moment to pause and enjoy one of the many holiday-related events being hosted in Chilton County.

Parades are being held in Thorsby and Jemison on Dec. 1 with Maplesville hosting the second annual Old Fashioned Christmas from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Each event has something different to offer. While the parades offer excitement through music and floats, the Maplesville event brings in the season with a slightly slower pace giving a chance to slow down for a few hours and enjoy gift vendors, food, Santa and games. Carriage rides will also be offered.

All of the events provide a chance to be a part of the community and not feel alone in this festive season.

Many local churches are also offering special events to commemorate the reason for the season. Trinity Episcopal Church and Resurrection Catholic Church will hold its joint Service of Lessons and Carols at 6.30 p.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church on Dec. 5. West End Baptist Church is presenting The Living Christmas Walk Dec. 14-16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Goose Pond Park.

If you’re still looking for something unique for someone on your list, the Chestnut Creek Heritage Chapel will have its fifth annual Christmas Craft Bazaar 8 a.m. – noon on Dec. 1. It will feature handcrafted decorations, gift items, seasonal refreshments will be served and Sophia Monday, a Celtic harpist, will be playing beautiful music.

No matter how you celebrate this season, take time out to be with the people you love, enjoy some quiet restful moments and truly find comfort and joy this Christmas.