Take it all in. There may be no better time to be a part of the Demopolis community than this weekend.

The town is abuzz with the DHS Tigers’ win in the state championship game Thursday night — and DaMarcus James’ correlating decimation of a handful of championship records.

The football fervor is fed by the Crimson Tide’s presence in the SEC Championship Game Saturday afternoon.

And, as exciting as all of that is, the the community is in the midst of Christmas on the River, the single biggest and most important event to the community annually.

This is the perfect storm of blessings for a community that has labored through a year which has included its share of economic uncertainty.

We do not know what the future holds in regards to the security of town staples such as our New Era Cap Factory. And the thought of such things can bring about unpleasant feelings.

But this weekend offers a nice reprieve from the cares of the world.

Grab a bowl of chili or some barbecue. Call up family and friends. Bundle up in the warmest thing you can find. Go out and watch the Jingle Bell Run and the parade and the Fair in the Square and the night parade and the fireworks. Congratulate your high school football team and root for your favorite college team, assuming they are still playing.

Take it all in. Because moments like these do not come around every year and should never be taken for granted when they do. There may be no better time to be a part of the Demopolis community.

Jeremy D. Smith is the sports editor of the Demopolis Times