By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

 Halloween was less than two weeks ago and Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but I’m ready for Christmastime.

Although I love Christmas itself, my favorite part of the holiday are the days and weeks leading up to Christmas day. Back home in New York City, this would consist of ice skating in Central Park, a family trip to the see the shop windows on Fifth Avenue, picking out a Christmas tree from a stand on the sidewalk and, of course, freezing weather and snow.

It doesn’t feel much like mid-November outside to me (I haven’t had to wear a jacket outside yet!), but Shelby County has plenty of Christmastime activities in the coming weeks to put me in the holiday spirit, even without the snow.

On Dec. 1 Pelham is kick off the Christmas season with the annual Christmas tree lighting program and the snowflakes will light Highways 31, 52 and 11. On Dec. 4, 6 and the Pelham Public Library is hosting gingerbread decorating programs.

There are also numerous Christmas parades. On Saturday, Dec. 6, Alabaster, Helena and Calera will all hold a parade. Alabaster’s parade down Highway 31 will begin at 10 a.m., Helena’s 44^th annual Christmas parade will start at 1 p.m. and Calera’s parade between the National Guard Armory and the Calera Community Center will close out the day with a 6 p.m. start time.

Finally, on Christmas Eve, Santa will make his traditional trip through Pelham, carried by the city’s fire trucks.

And if you’re in the mood for a little chill and some ice, there’s always ice skating at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. Even though there might not be snow, there will be no shortage of Christmas cheer in Shelby County.