Three weeks from tonight is Christmas Eve. The anticipation is building and preparations are underway in homes across the nation. It truly doesn't matter what the economy is doing, Christmas will arrive and we all will have a wonderful time.

This weekend, a couple of local Christmas traditions will help put anyone who hasn't caught the Christmas spirit in the right frame of mind. Le Mars has been blessed to have numerous events during the holiday season, but the Earl Utesch Memorial Children's Lighted Christmas Parade and Pioneer Village Christmas are very special and both occur this weekend.

On Saturday night, the 12th edition of the Lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m. It begins at the corner of Central Avenue and Eighth Street South. The parade has had up to 70 entries of brightly decorated floats, some with people singing, others with animated displays. It's a sight to behold, and kicks off a festive weekend in Le Mars.

The Plymouth County Fairgrounds will be bustling once again as the annual Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland opens for two weekends. Pioneer Village will come alive with all sorts of food, activities, music and a heaping helping of Christmas Spirit.

Visitors will get to look at outdoor Christmas decorations, roast marshmallows, enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, hot dogs, sandwiches, candy and popcorn. Horse-drawn wagon rides will be available, as well as a crafting corner for children to make an item to take home. Many local musicians and singers will entertain in Century Hall. There will even be a live nativity.

The village will be open Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, and 13 and 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., so if you don't get a chance to see the parade and experience the village on Saturday, you have three more chances to go back in time at Pioneer Village.

All of this wonderful, original hometown Christmas won't cost you a single penny. Through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the donations of individuals and businesses and local service clubs, these two events are free.

Yes, free.

If you want to help, there are places where you can give a free-will donation, which is gladly welcomed.

This weekend is the time to catch the Christmas Spirit.