EDITOR’S COLUMN | The holidays are here, and good times too

The Record has some screwy deadlines this week due to the holidays, so as I write this column Wednesday morning I’m forecasting that by the time it’s read my sore stomach from gorging on too much Thanksgiving turkey will likely have faded and my wallet already be significantly lighter from Black Friday spending. I’ll have slept in to 7 a.m. at least twice, defeated the digital forces of evil and begun feeling the shame of what will almost certainly be a holiday video game binge, laughed, argued, cried or all three with family and begun my casing of Whidbey lots for the best deals on this year’s Christmas tree.

By Justin Burnett • November 26, 2014 6:14 pm

The Record has some screwy deadlines this week due to the holidays, so as I write this column Wednesday morning I’m forecasting that by the time it’s read my sore stomach from gorging on too much Thanksgiving turkey will likely have faded and my wallet already be significantly lighter from Black Friday spending.

I’ll have slept in to 7 a.m. at least twice, defeated the digital forces of evil and begun feeling the shame of what will almost certainly be a holiday video game binge, laughed, argued, cried or all three with family and begun my casing of Whidbey lots for the best deals on this year’s Christmas tree.

Ah, the holidays.

Usually a blur, a surefire way to blow way too much money on gifts and absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. And as an extra bonus, the weather guy is predicting that the season may start off right with a chance of snow Sunday evening. Oh goodie, goodie, this is one Hawaii guy who can’t wait for our first blizzard.

Of course there’s plenty to do on South Whidbey before frosted wonder falls from the heavens, beginning with the Langley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lighting of Langley today. A small but charming community event, it’s held every year to kick off the holiday season. Free hot chocolate and cider, Santa Claus and alpacas disguised as reindeer, the singing of carols; the lighting will even have a scene from Whidbey Island Center for the Art’s holiday production, “A Christmas Story.” Summed up, if you haven’t been it’s a must-not-miss affair, especially for families.

The lighting begins at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Langley Park, located on the corner of Second Street and Anthes Avenue.

The chamber will also host a parade next weekend, where musicians, service and youth groups, pets, families and floats will drift down First Street, Anthes Avenue and Second Street. To participate, call organizer Fred Lundahl at 360-914-0984.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and starts at WICA.

December is packed with similar holiday festivities, and fueled with turkey leftovers I plan to hit many of them, beginning with Saturday’s lighting. So here’s to good times ahead, including sore bellies, time with family, video game remorse and, if I’m really lucky, a few flakes from above.