Do you need help getting into the Christmas spirit? We’re here to help.

Start with this evening’s parade in downtown Franklin, which begins at 7 o’clock.

Can’t make it tonight, or think you might want more? Great news. There’s the holiday parade in Courtland starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and/or see what Windsor offers to welcome in the season later at 5 p.m. Ivor plans its festivity at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

We should add that Sedley and Windsor will each host breakfasts for children with Santa Claus tomorrow. He and Mrs. Claus will be at the MLK Center in Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 10.

And we can’t resist putting in another plug for the Holiday Pops concert by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band on Sunday, Dec. 11, presented by this newspaper.

For the details of all this and so much more, please see our calendar listings on page A4.

There’s something else that’s evident in these events: people in your neighborhood, or those a short drive from wherever you live, are all doing their part to make the season an exciting and memorable one, not just for youngsters, but for teens and adults as well.

Isn’t that what really makes this time of year special?