The Guide to North Idaho

'Tis the Season

Turkey, family, football and the thickest newspaper of the year. Yup, it's Thanksgiving week. And that means the official start of the 2009 Holiday Season (even though Xmas decorations have been in the stores since Labor Day and the neighbors down the street have had their tree up for 2 weeks). It also means fireworks.

That's right, fireworks. Friday night, Christmas season really gets kicked off with the annual Coeur d'Alene Downtown Holiday Parade followed by the lighting of the huge Coeur d'Alene Resort display and spectacular fireworks show. Oh, did we mention thousands of your closest friends?

Next to the Independence Day Parade, there will be more people on along Sherman, on Resort property and in City Park than any day of the year. People come from around the Pacific Northwest, Canada and even across America to feel the festive glow of a million points of electric and gunpowdered light.

If you're planning on attending, here's a couple things to keep in mind.

Get there early. Parking is at a premium and you'll find camping chairs in the prime viewing spots by early afternoon. There are plenty of things to do once downtown, all the stores are open (Black Friday!) and there are numerous places to grab a bite or find a toddy to fight the chill.

Speaking of which, dress warmly. Button the kids up and put on those wool socks and winter boots. It's North Idaho where the weather can change with little notice. Be a good scout and be prepared.

Smile. This is the season where we are suposed to feel that peace on earth, goodwill towards men (and women and kids and dogs and..). Too often it becomes a stress filled traffic jam with bodies jostling for position and one finger salutes to the person who cut you off or just grabbed the last one of whatever is the hot gift of the year. So smile, forgive, cut slack and know that even when someone doesn't deserve your kindness, that kindness is still alive in you. Christmas Karma does come back around, make sure it doesn't pass you over.

And the number one thing to remember, hold your family and friends close. Not only because that richness is worth more than gold, but because it's darn easy to lose somebody in the sea of people going "oooohhh" and "aaaahhh" with all the excitement.

Now get out there and feel festive!