CELEBRATION seems to be the mood here in my small corner of rural West Texas. Maybe it’s the news of the COVID vaccine. Or maybe it’s a sign the human spirit will triumph over the dreary year that is almost over. Whatever the case, my little village is sparkling with lights, wreaths, and Christmas lawn decor. Residents have gone all-out this year with decorating for the holidays. The result is a noticeable rise in the cheer level. Spirits are high despite a number of deaths in our community due to COVID. Optimism reigns even though our football team was knocked out of the playoffs last week.

The Citadelle Art Foundation hosted the 7th Annual Lighting of the Waterfield Christmas Walk on Monday evening. Each year, the quiet beauty of The Citadelle’s grounds is transformed with a flip of a switch into a sparkling wonderland.

The official Christmas in Canadian celebration, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5. A full slate of other events—for the young and the young at heart—is planned for the day.

The Hemphill County 4-H Club held a Christmas Parade on Tuesday evening. The organization decided to host the parade as a way to reach out to the community with some Christmas cheer. The group first circled Mesa View and then the Abraham Nursing Home to wave at all the residents, before marching through town and across Main.