It’s called the holiday season for a reason. There are 14 major holidays between mid-November and mid-January, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s and Epiphany. They all celebrate renewal, light, life, generosity, kindness, beauty and joy. And Callaway County truly embodies the spirit of this most wonderful time of the year.

When it comes to light and joy, you just can’t beat all the parades and light displays in the Kingdom of Callaway, topped off with a not-your-usual New Year’s Eve party:

• Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.: Field of Joy Holiday Lights. The City of Fulton Parks & Recreation teams up with the Salvation Army to turn Veterans Park into a holiday wonderland. The drive-through lighting display is accompanied by a field of 100 individually sponsored Christmas trees.

• Dec. 3: Fulton Christmas Parade, 1 p.m. This year’s theme, voted on by Facebook followers, is A Farmhouse Christmas. The Grand Marshals this year were nominated by our followers as well and our City and County K9 units were selected unanimously.

• Dec. 10, 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Holts Summit Parade of Lights Drive-Through Christmas Parade. Drive by lighted floats and enjoy the spectacle from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle.

• Dec. 17, 1 p.m.: Auxvasse Christmas Parade starts at the middle school parking lot. Following the parade, Santa will be at Motazz Park on Main Street.

• Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m.: Central Missouri Renaissance Annual Yule Masquerade at the Fulton Event Center. “Ancient Celtic and Viking lore rule this magical night. Dress in your finest for the return of the light.”

To add more beauty to your season, consider a little do-it-yourself at the Barn Company in Holts Summit. Create a Christmas ornament centerpiece on Dec. 10 or a Christmas candle bar on Dec. 16. Both classes are 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. You might even shop for a few last-minute presents or hostess gifts.

And don’t forget that kindness – particularly during the busy holidays – extends to yourself as well. Take a little time for self-care in Fulton:

• Discover your inner artist with a class at Garriott Porter Art Studio.

• Explore your creative spirit with a little scrapbooking or journaling at Soul Sentiments.

• Take a break from the hustle and bustle with a mini-vacation – a night at Loganberry Inn, followed by a relaxing massage from Wild and Well Studio.

Less stress, more joy…less rush, more beauty – it can happen for you this year. Just do your holidays the Callaway.