The holiday season is upon us and the Greater Valley Area is expressing that in seemingly every way possible. It is clear that people around here like getting in the Christmas spirit, and the offerings that have been available and are yet to come will keep anyone with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads plenty occupied.

Starting the celebrations early by giving folks a way to decorate, the Gilbert Christmas Tree Farm opened in Lanett the weekend before Thanksgiving. With its over 200 acres of trees, gift shop and photo-op spots, it has helped deck halls both locally and in places like Columbus, Roanoke and LaGrange.

Also drawing people from near and far is the Valley Christmas Merry Go Round. Whether it’s a time-tested holiday tradition that has been carried on throughout generations or a new activity to help bring some cheer, anyone who rides the merry-go-round leaves in the Christmas spirit.

That excitement undoubtedly extended to the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s HolidayFest on the River and city tree lightings and will continue to permeate throughout the upcoming Valley Parade and LaFayette Christmas on the Square event this weekend.

Even just driving down the city streets offers a warm, fuzzy feeling with lit up candy canes, stockings and Christmas candles lighting the way.

Christmas is an exciting time for individuals, and these activities and events bring them together to create a festive aura that happily hangs over the entire area. The Greater Valley Area has a lot going on for Christmas, and it is good to see holiday cheer all over the place.