There is anything that makes it feel like Christmastime more than seeing Christmas parades and events in the communities, except for maybe cold weather.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to see two parades, one in Somerville and one in Priceville. Tomorrow night, we have the annual Hartselle Christmas Parade.

I love the parade season. I enjoyed it when I had the opportunity to march in parades with our high school band. It was always fun being a part of the big crowd awaiting the arrival of the big man.

What I love about local Christmas parades is how it really helps me feel like Christmas is just around the corner. At this time of the year, I haven’t really started my Christmas shopping. I’m very much one of the last-minute Christmas shoppers who are trying to finish their gift purchases on Dec. 24.

Of course, you have the bands that play Christmas music. You have the floats designed by churches, businesses and organizations from around town who go out of their way to design awesome floats.

And you really get to see this more in a night Christmas parade, much like Hartselle’s annual parade.

Each float is decked out in Christmas lights, spotlights and even smoke or bubble machines. I remember seeing a volcano bubbling as it made its way down Main Street during a recent parade.

The running joke in Hartselle is that it doesn’t matter when the Hartselle parade is held, it’s always going to be the coldest night of the year. This year is no different, as the low temperature Thursday is expected to be around 29.

So I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. I’ll see you there.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.