The Christmas season on Lake Texoma is a magical time. The fun will all begin this week as small communities around the lake hold tree lighting ceremonies and lighted Christmas themed parades. Area businesses, organizations, youth groups and churches have been working for weeks, maybe even months, to design a float that will depict a particular theme, draped in bright blinking lights. As these floats wander around Courthouse squares and downtown business districts, thousands of spectators will oooh! and ahhhh!, clap and wave as they go by. There is cash money to be won for first place in a number of categories but it really is more about civic pride and braggin’ rights.

Sherman will hold its annual Snowflake Festival complete with a Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and Guild Mortgage. The Festivities begin with St. Mary’s Run Run Rudolph 5K Fun Run. The downtown area will be a buzz with shoppers during the day and as darkness arrives, their Christmas Parade will wind its way around the square.

A Christmas favorite is the holiday lights. The Grayson County Annual Holiday Lights Show began the day after Thanksgiving. This drive thru spectacle of lighted holiday decorations will delight all ages. It is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Located on Hwy 75 between Sherman and Denison at the Loy Lake Exit, the display will continue until New Year’s Eve.

In Gainesville, the Cooke County Courthouse will be hosting the Festival of Trees. Sponsored by the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, the Festival of Trees provides an outlet for businesses and non-profit organizations to decorate trees with a theme to reflect their business, organization or personal theme. The trees will be on display in the historic courthouse and the public will be able to cast a vote for their favorite tree. There will be just a little competition going on here so if you need some inspiration, head over to the Festival of Trees which opens December 1.

Music is a very special part of any Christmas season. Put some of these on your bucket list: Sherman Orchestra Christmas Pops at the Sid Richardson Center on the Austin College Camps, North Texas Chorale performance of Handel’s Messiah, The First Noel Christmas Cantata, or a Swinigin’ Christmas performance by the Gainesville Swing Orchestra at North Texas Central College in Gainesville. The Sherman Community Players are also tuned into the music scene with their presentation of Scrooge the Musical at the Finley Theatre in Sherman.

There are special events for youngsters - Candy Cane Hunts, numerous Brunches with Santa, holiday cookie decorating classes with mom or grandma at Grayson College, and a Christmas Pajama Story Time at the Sherman Library.

Two home tours are being held this year. The “All That Glitters Holiday Home Tour” will offer the public an opportunity to peek inside these magnificent private residences in Gainesville. Several are circa 1880’s, one from the roaring 20’s and a brand newly constructed home. The day will also include carriage rides through the historic downtown area, a Cookie Cafe and live holiday music. Weather permitting there will be a re-enactment of “Christmas in the 1800’s – A Living History”. In the evening a Live Nativity will be held at the First Presbyterian Church.

In Denison, the Historic Downtown Denison Loft Tour will give you the chance to visit the lofts located in the historic downtown Denison central business district. While bustling commerce commands the most attention at street level, hidden on upper floors are beautiful private residences. Closed to the public normally, these residences are only open during the Denison Loft Tour. Built in the 1800's and 1900's, these lofts range in size and style and showcase the owners’ and residents’ creative use of the unique spaces.

Amid all the parties and events, the real reason for the season is beautifully presented by Nativity Live at Georgetown Church in Pottsboro. This isn’t you average, still life Nativity scene. You will experience the sights, sounds, smells, and the atmosphere of what it was like in the little town of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. After your outdoor experience, you will be escorted, by Bethlehem guides, to the Chapel where you will enjoy a short Christmas drama.

Put a little Lake Texoma Christmas magic in your life. Let the celebrations begin!

Merry Christmas everyone! May your holiday season be full of love and laughter and your new year happy, healthy and prosperous -  bj