Christmas is coming, time to fatten up the geese.

That was basically just to get your attention, and I hope it worked, but I really am here to talk about Christmas on a number of fronts.

There are a couple of groups — one headed up by Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis, the other by Ginger Hyland and Regina Charboneau — with the same objective in mind. The goal is to make Natchez a winter wonderland that will draw visitors to the area during what is typically a slow time of the year. The theme this year is A Musical Christmas, and it will launch on Nov. 27 and run until Jan. 3. The month’s events will be kicked off the day after Thanksgiving with the lighting of the city Christmas tree, and it’s being called “Turning it On and Turning it Out.”

Mrs. Mathis is focusing her efforts on creating, what I refer to as “the lure” Christmas display, while Ms. Hyland and Mrs. Charboneau are concentrating on the downtown area, principally Main and Franklin streets.

The lure, will be the decorations that will be placed around the parking area of the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, and will be comprised of the new decorations the city has purchased over the past three years, which include some animated pieces like old man winter, and the jack-in-the-box — two that were purchased the first year.

Last year Santa and his reindeer were added, as was a decorative lighted archway. In addition to those, and a tall aluminum Christmas tree, Mrs. Mathis is hoping to recover some of the decorations that were once part of the Christmas display at International Paper Company. If you have any idea where they can be found, or happen to have any of them in your possession, please call City Hall and leave Mrs. Mathis a message.

The group focusing on the downtown area is asking area businesses to purchase new LED lights to place along the roof lines of their buildings. An example of these lights can be seen on the Eola Hotel, as they recently purchased the new outdoor, all-weather lights to replace the glass bulbs that were constantly getting broken during storms and high winds.

There will also be a window dressing competition and businesses will be judged in several categories, i.e. best animated display, best thematic display, etc.

The real key to making Natchez overall a true winter wonderland however, will be up to residents throughout the city. Both groups would like to see everyone join in this mass effort and do their part to decorate and light up their homes, businesses and yards, to add to the affect the groups are hoping to achieve.

For more information on the events taking place during the holiday season in Natchez, visit the Web site at www.natchezatchristmas.com or stop by the Natchez Visitor Reception Center or Natchez-Adams County Chamber office and pick up a brochure.

Sally Durkin is the media liaison for the Natchez Convention Center and Visitor’s Bureau.