At some stores and homes, the Christmas decorations were up before Thanksgiving.

Those of us that did put up the Christmas tree before carving the turkey have been accused of breaking holiday rules, but rather than rebellious it seemed convenient to me. We got the decorating out of the way early, and could concentrate on matters like shopping!

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the rule followers are breaking out the Christmas lights too. And there are plans to light up East Texas in many ways, starting with parades in several towns this week.

Lucky Larry has mentioned the fabulous Christmas display that is up now in Marshall. Each night through New Year's Eve, Marshall's Wonderland of Lights Festival is on at 6pm, including a nightly light show at the Harrison County Courthouse. The Marshall Christmas parade happens this Saturday, December 1.

On Tuesday, November 27, Kilgore will have their Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. Just line up along the route that includes Main & Kilgore streets.

On Thursday, November 29 it's the Hallsville Christmas parade at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Hallsville. Gilmer and Henderson will also have their downtown Christmas parades Thursday.

This Friday and Saturday we can check out the Henderson Home for the Holidays Home Tour. On Friday the hours are 5-9 p.m., and Saturday the tour will run from 4-9 p.m. The four historical Henderson area homes on the tour will be: W.M. Camp-Hodges home, 315 N. Main; the DeLaMar-Ovalle home, 306 E. Main; the Milner-Sewell home, 619 N. High St.; and the Howard-Dickson house, 501 S. Main. Tickets for the tour are $10, available with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce.

And looking ahead, the Longview Christmas parade with the theme “Santa Claus Lane,” happens December 6th at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Longview.

There's plenty to do to enjoy the season. Happy holidays!

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