Russellville Christmas parade? Cancelled.

Chamber’s Holly Day? Cancelled.

Vina Christmas parade? Cancelled.

I don’t know about you, but for me, these COVID cancellations are really putting a damper on the season.

Don’t get me wrong; there’s plenty of festive fun still to enjoy. Phil Campbell’s and Red Bay’s parades are continuing as scheduled, toy drives are in full swing and holiday decorations are in great supply. So Christmas magic is filling the air despite the efforts of a global pandemic.

But there’s no denying this year feels a little different.

Throughout the pandemic I’ve tried to stay in the camp of people looking at everything with a positive attitude.

It’s cheerier looking on the bright side, and it’s true that we still have plenty to be thankful for.

However, it’s sad to see such established traditions have to take a year off. For many of us, a good Christmas parade is a highlight of the season – but those highlights are not to be this year in two of our local municipalities.

Don’t misunderstand me. There’s a part of me that actually really supports these cancellations. Cancelling two such big holiday gatherings might be just the thing to help stop the spread, and I can’t help but be a little nervous thinking of the crowds that will likely gather along the main streets of Phil Campbell and Red Bay to watch the floats, vehicles and groups go buy in all their seasonal finery. Even though parades take place outdoors with plenty of space for social distancing – I’ll admit that it still makes me nervous to think of that many people crowding into a limited space, and on the whole, I think Russellville and Vina are making the right decision.

But it’s still a little sad.