MACON, Ga. — Now that Thanksgiving is over, many people view Black Friday as the start of the holiday season.
In downtown Macon, the season kicked off Friday with the 6th annual Christmas Light Extravaganza. It's become a Macon tradition, and this year is the biggest edition ever.
The holiday season is full of joy, and full of wonder.
"Merry Christmas!" said 5-year-old Jersey Jolley.
"We get to spend time with family," said Taylor Creekmore and Donovan Crawford.
Crawford was visiting relatives in Macon from Florida with his mom and dad. The children were happy to spend time together.
"You want what? A vacuum?" Crawford asked his cousin Ronan Creekmore.
Doesn't it all make you want to be a kid again? No matter how old you are, the massive light display sure makes you feel the magic. You feel it even more when Santa shows up.
"Well, I heard they were having this kickoff for the light show here in downtown Macon. So I jumped in my sleigh with my eight magical reindeer. They're parked right here on the top of the building," Santa Claus said.
For many, the million-light display is how their families get into the spirit of the holidays. Desiree Johnson's gone several times, but it was the first trip for her niece and nephews.
"Christmas is my favorite part of the holiday season. Because there's much joy and family time around this time," Johnson said.
Others, like Christmas light fan Bartholomew Slaughter, just came to take it all in. Slaughter drove up from Warner Robins to celebrate his birthday at the light show.
"It's just beautiful being, for this to be the first night of this. On my birthday, is just something!" Slaughter said.
So, ring in the holiday magic. Be merry, and as Santa says: "Ho ho ho! "Y'all have a great and happy Christmas, and a great and prosperous new year, when it gets here."
The Christmas light display runs between now and the New Year. If you're lucky, you may even get to see Santa next week.