Yes, Virginia, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Head downtown, and you will see that art students from Suffolk took paints and brushes to the storefront windows of downtown businesses, giving the business district a festive look that is reminiscent of old-fashioned holidays.

Working under the theme “Holidays in Toyland,” groups of four to eight students added their creative flair to the city’s Christmas decorations this week. It’s the 16^th year kids from Suffolk Public Schools have contributed to the city’s holiday cheer in this way.

The murals have become a hit not only for the students but for business owners, as well. At the Suffolk News-Herald, we eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the mural that graces our entry each year. Once again, we find ourselves pleasantly surprised by the gaiety of the mural, along with the creativity and talent of the young artists.

We urge folks in Suffolk to visit the downtown area and take a look at the art.

A great time to do so would be Saturday. The stores and restaurants will be open, giving folks a good chance to shop for some unusual gifts, and the evening will include the city’s highly anticipated Christmas parade, set for 7 p.m. and culminating with another appearance by Santa Claus. The parade’s theme echoes that of the murals, wrapping things up, as it were, in a big, beautiful, sparkly bow.

Merry Christmas!