If you have ever attended Manistee Michigan’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade, you know how special it is. It’s a step into the past, especially as it weaves its way through the downtown of a historic lumber town. Most of the buildings of the original 1870 – 1910 town are still standing, so it adds to the magic of stepping into the past and seeing a Santa in a horse drawn sleigh, in front of a huge, thirty foot Christmas tree which is being pulled by four big Belgian workhorses. The end and pinnacle of the parade…unless you wander after it to the lighting of the tree and ensuing fireworks.
You know you are going back in time when you see Santa’s sleigh being pulled by a horse. Santa is larger than life to kids. Larger than the big tree used in the Sleighbell Parade. From bag pipes to a Victorian fireman and his dalmatian, race dogs, nativity walkers, bell ringers, and horses, horses, and more horses – there is something magical about the parade, especially since it is a Christmas parade and Christmas is pretty magical itself.
If you’re looking for something a little different, or if you love history or make-believe or a great parade, step into the past with us some year (it’s always the first weekend in December) and stick around for some “Old Christmas” festivities.
Meanwhile, be sure to hug people who have lost a loved one recently. That first year of milestones and holidays without them is the hardest. Invite them to gatherings, but don’t push them if they aren’t ready to jump in. If you are able, give cookies to shut-ins, help at shelters, and sing carols with your people. The “parade” of life is more about people than what we do and where we go. Let’s remember that this time of year in particular is about people, not presents, joy, not grudges, giving, not receiving. For unto us a child is born…
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