This past weekend, Charlotte County welcomed the Christmas holiday season with a plethora of activities to spread the season’s joy.

The weekend kicked off with the annual Christmas Parade in the Town of Keysville on Friday night. Patrons lined both sides of King Street to experience the holiday splendor, ranging from decorated floats, classic vehicles, emergency/fire vehicles and school groups to name a few.

The parade excitement didn’t stop there. The Town of Phenix followed up on Saturday with its annual parade on Main Street.

On Sunday, the Town of Charlotte Court House held its annual tree lighting and the Town of Drakes Branch welcomed the holiday season with a Christmas Open House.

One thing I’ve learned from living in Charlotte County is that when there is a holiday on the horizon, the community tends to embrace a sense of togetherness.

Joy is not only experienced between immediate family members, but the entire community as a whole becomes one big family.

Interestingly, dictionary.com defined the holiday season as “the period of time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s that encompasses several celebrations.”

Charlotte County has surely done the holiday season justice with the vast amount of festive spirit that can be found ranging from simple decorations to social gatherings in local towns.

Almost every town in Charlotte County has hosted a special activity throughout the holiday season. However, activities have not just been limited to town events.

Local churches and even individual families have included the community in personal affairs.

Although it can be nice to travel for the holidays and take in the big-city sights while shopping or visiting family in other localities, ultimately, there’s no place like home.

The amount of holiday spirit floating around Charlotte County has truly given residents a home to be proud of.

Happy holidays.

Italia Gregory is a staff reporter for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at italia.gregory@thecharlottegazette.com