Many nearby holiday activities available for everyone to enjoy

The holiday season is here and, in tow, all of its spirit, love and cheer.  There is just something about a cool breeze, fire-like leaves and holiday-flavored coffee that puts one in a good mood.  However, those lovely winter features are also known to make people want to do nothing more than curl up on the couch in a blanket and watch movies until falling into a deep slumber.  While snuggling and sleeping next to a cozy fire is definitely appealing, it is also one way to quickly waste away the season.  There are too many fun things to do in and around Commerce this holiday season to not leave the house and explore.

If you are looking for something to participate in, there are always holiday community service projects.  Serving the Commerce area, we have Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary clubs that all sponsor service projects throughout the year.  There is also always at least one angle tree opportunity in which you can provide an underprivileged child with a little holiday surprise.  There are also holiday fun runs that pop up all over the place.  Whether it is a 5K or a marathon, there is something for everyone who is willing to go have some fun out in the cold. 

If you have transportation and are up for a short trip, there are plenty of festivities in the surrounding areas.  In about 45 minutes you can be in Paris which offers a handful of holiday events.  On Dec. 2, Christmas in Fair Park at the Lamar County Fairgrounds will begin.  This event will run on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.  More information can be found at www.paristexas.com. The popular Christmas in the Camp put on by the Cowboy Church of Paris will begin Dec. 15 and will run through Dec. 18.  At this event, attendees will gather in an old fashioned wagon, which will transport them throughout a live nativity scene.  It is a special experience I recommend for everyone.

If you drive about 60 miles southwest, you can ice skate around the massive Christmas tree or take a picture with Santa at the Galleria.  You might be too big to sit on his lap, but Santa is always available for a picture and, if nothing else, humorous memories.

The holidays are filled with enchanting events that have the possibility of simply making you happy.  It might hurt when you bust it on the ice skating rink, and it might be freezing on the carriage ride through the nativity scene, but I assure you there is plenty of fun, good times and memories in all of these holiday activities to outweigh those factors.