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Before the arctic blast came through the area last week, I made it a point to go on a walk.

My route wasn’t determined before hand, and I just started out walking north on Main Street. This was Dec. 22.

As was the case on many nights previous, the air was clear and cold air started to make its presence known.

I walked past First National Bank and Trust’s green space and admired the Christmas tree all lit up, shining bright into the night.

Then, I noticed the Strand Theatre sign. The sign looks great, and I can’t wait to see it lit up in the near future.

And a walk down Main Street wouldn’t be complete without admiring the wonderful holiday lights throughout. The city does a great job every year.

It’s funny because one morning before Thanksgiving, the Santas and Christmas trees weren’t hanging on the light poles. Then, they were up that same afternoon.

My walk continued all the way down to Howard Street, where I turned onto Trammell Street.

I noticed the boxcar park alight with its clear, glassed lights, and I saw a busy Ridgeley Street.

Then, the smells of Gather Restaurant penetrated my nostrils and made my stomach ache with hunger. I’ll just say I picked up the pace a little so I could quell the hunger pains.

“That was good to do that,” I told myself as I got in my car.

The following night, I saw some childhood friends and other families I got to know as I grew up.

Then, my family had Christmas Eve activities, a dinner and then Christmas Day dawned.

I hope this finds you had a great Christmas, and a good start to your New Year.