As the clock winds down on days remaining until Christmas, the area continues to feel festive -- both in decorations and events.

We want to pause and celebrate this year's Parade of Lights.

The parade was rescheduled due to rain on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The move back one week did not detract from the excitement. This year's parade included more than 100 floats -- larger than the previous year's, according to an organizer -- and provided the mix of music, dance and thrilling lights so many look forward to this time of year.

The warmer temperatures and precipitation-free weather likely helped elevate attendance and excitement. There was still a feeling of Christmas. The parade is an annual tradition and always festive.

There are so many events this time of year. Whether it's looking at light shows, participating in caroling or attending church programs, there's much to enjoy. You can find event options on semoevents.com or Page 2 of the Southeast Missourian.

We'd like to thank everyone, including Old Town Cape, who helped organize the parade. And we commend the hundreds of people who put together floats, marched or participated. It was a fun parade. It's another sampling of the type of event that makes a community feel like home. We are fortunate to live in a city where people take the time and effort to preserve traditions like the Parade of Lights.