Including today, only 12 days remain before Christmas arrives and holiday festivities are operating full bore.

This morning as we count down the days until Christmas, we also pause as is our Monday morning custom to reflect on some of the good news from our community last week.

•A myriad of local churches have presented special Christmas musicals over the last week or so and perhaps none as traditionally powerful as the Zion A.M.E. Church’s annual Christmas concert. Christmas music is one of the best ways to quickly get into the holiday spirit. A big thank you goes to all of the talented area musicians and vocalists who share their talents with us all.

• Another Natchez holiday classic event, Caroling at Callon Petroleum courtyard is a beautiful holiday event. We thank the organizers for continuing the tradition.

• Drivers passing through the intersection of Jefferson and Union streets last week may have made a double take after seeing a Biblical manger scene come to life before their eyes. The Jefferson Street United Methodist Church’s youth group has created the live Nativity scene for many years, and each year it’s a delight to see.

• The Natchez Convention Center was bursting with youthful exuberance and beautiful music last week as Natchez hosted the 78th annual Mississippi Bandmasters Association’s annual state band clinic. We hope the group enjoyed Natchez as much as Natchez enjoyed having them for a visit.

As the calendar inches ever closer to Dec. 25, we hope you and your family have another great week, filled with good news.