I show this picture so when I tell you about Christmas arriving in Chattanooga you'll have an idea of what I'm talking about.
On Friday evening, Chattanooga celebrated the beginning of Chrsitmas in a big way. People started gathering in late afternoon. Many ate dinner at one of the downtown restaurants, sitting inside or out. It was a lovely evening. As it grew dark, people headed for the riverfront. The festivites started with a parade of boats (I think I counted 35 of them). They were decked out in lights from bow to stern. While they paraded on the river, a bell choir played carol after carol. There was also a live nativity scene, sponsored by a local church on city property! That surprised us. There were food vendors and such too.
Then Santa arrived, along with some kids and dancers also decked out for the holidays. There was some song and dance. Did you know that Santa has an excellent singing voice!?! ;-) But, then Santa did something amazing. He paused in the middle of all the song and dance and took the opportunity to remind the crowd of the real meaning of Christmas and drew attention to the nativity. Imagine that. I didn't know any city in the USA had the fortitude to put Christ in Christmas.
They finished the evening with a grand fireworks display over the river. It was spectacular. I sure do wish I had my camera with me.
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