From Where I Sit: Holiday season starts now

Even before Halloween costumes, candy and decorations could fly off the shelves and out the front door of stores, Christmas merchandise was sneaking in the backdoor and making its way on to store shelves.

Shamelessly, I’ve been anticipating the arrival. I do so enjoy the festive atmosphere surrounding the end-of-the-year holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I’ve already begun browsing through stores looking for decorations and gift wrap to find out what will be this year’s hottest colors and themes.

I was in Minnie’s Giftique the other day as they were opening boxes of Christmas gift items and decorations. I asked Megan if Minnie’s was going to have a booth at the 42nd Annual Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte this year, which opens Wednesday and runs through Nov. 22 at The Park, formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart. She said they were. I’ve seen them at the show for several years, so it must be a successful venue for them.

The Southern Christmas Show has been by favorite out-of-town Christmas show for many years. My college roommates and I used to go every year for about 10 or 15 years after graduation. We made it an annual weekend together. For the last couple of years, my daughter and I have gone.

This year’s theme is “A Taste of Christmas.”

My favorite part of the show is the designer showcase rooms that have been decorated with Christmas trees and beautiful ornaments. I also like the way the individual shops in the Olde Towne section of the show are decorated. It truly looks like a fantasyland.

I don’t usually purchase much, but it is a shopper’s paradise. It certainly gets you in the mood for the holidays, but we don’t have to leave home for that. On Nov. 19, Hartsville will have its annual Christmas Open House downtown.

Maybe you have noticed city workers have already begun putting up Christmas decorations. I spotted the snowflakes dotting the landscape along Fifth Street as I drove through town on the way to an assignment this week. During the Open House event sponsored by Hartsville Downtown Development Association (HDDA), stores stay open afterhours, and the sidewalk is filled with entertainment. Some stores even offer holiday refreshments.

I spoke with Judi Elvington, HDDA executive director, by phone Wednesday, and she said plans for the Nov. 19 event are in full swing.

Merchants invite customers into their shops to ring in the holiday shopping season with a “warm and fuzzy” atmosphere and the smells of Christmas in the air. It is more than a shopping event; it is a community event.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there. Also look for the Christmas carolers singing on street corners and dance teams dancing in the street. The downtown Christmas lights, the lights on the Centennial Park Christmas snowflake tree and the lights from store windows will brighten the night sky and add to the festive occasion.

It’s an enjoyable night leading into the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with the Christmas parade soon to follow on Dec. 3.

I get excited just writing about it!

If you want to visit the Southern Christmas Show, Nov. 11-22, hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday at 2500 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. Admission is $9 adults, $3 youth 6-12. Advance discounted tickets are available. Parking fee is $6.

From where I sit, I’m ready for a road trip with a stop in downtown Hartsville.