NATCHEZ — The Christmas decorations around Elnora Washington’s house serve as a reminder for the true meaning of the holiday.

When The Dart landed on Old Washington Road in Natchez, Washington was just beginning to put her decorations up.

For Washington, Christmas decorations mean so much more than just pretty lights and the pleasant smell of a pine tree and a wreath.

They symbolize the true meaning of Christmas.

“It’s a day to celebrate the birth of Christ and to come together in happiness as a family,” she said. “The lights, the tree, they stand for the joy and the love of the season.

Washington, 71, and her husband James, 70, have scaled down their decorations, as they have gotten older.

“There used to be lights hanging from the roof and lights all around the house, but we don’t do that anymore,” she said.

Likewise, their Christmas celebrations have downsized as well, but that has helped them realize other important aspects of the day.

“We used to wake up at 6 a.m. and be opening presents until 12 p.m.,” James said.

Now, with their grandchildren grown up, the day has become more about being together than about the material possessions.

“We miss Christmas when they were young and excited about all their presents, but it is just as good now having everybody around,” Washington said.

The Washington’s have two sons, James Jr., who lives in Madison, and Darrell, who lives in Atlanta. They are all usually together on the holidays.

“We go there, or they come here,” Washington said. “Nowadays, we go to church, we have a big meal, we open the presents and we just spend time together, those are the things that are most important.”

And it is the reminder of that togetherness on Christmas that continues to inspire Washington to put up Christmas decorations.

“I still get so happy putting them up and seeing them around town,” she said. “It is that warm feeling of home.

“It’s like having Christmas everyday that they are up.”