We took our girls to their first town Christmas parade last night. We met some friends from church and waited alongside the single main road. There we stood, with cold fingers and toes, watching the festive procession. The police cars flashed their lights, the firetrucks blew their sirens, the marching bands played their songs, and the politicians greeted their constituents. Of course, no Southern small-town parade is complete without a few tractors.
We didn’t take any photos of the girls. The entire parade lasted just under an hour. It was just a community, gathering to smile and wave and wish each other a Merry Christmas. It was simple. These small acts of celebration and tradition are the best of the holidays. They represent the goodness that still exists in our communities. They represent the common bond that comes through gathering.
My girls will remember the parade as a fun activity we did as a family. We were able to file away a happy memory, free of charge. This memory did not require bringing unwanted clutter into our home. It did not involve bringing undue stress into our lives. It simply required a coat and an hour of our time. So during this season, when overconsumption and stress are the norms, buck the trend by enjoying the holidays with your family. Make those simple, happy memories for your children. No purchase necessary.