It's Saturday night as I pen this, and there is no joy in Tuscaloosa. The mighty Tide failed to roll. I quit watching the game because, frankly, it was just too painful.

As my sister said, &#8220We've had some great Auburn-Alabama game memories – but this ain't one of them!”

Amen, sister.

In the greater scheme of things, however, a football game loss is not a tragedy.

My team may have lost, but I still have my family, my job, my friends and a roof over my head. How about you? It could be an awful lot worse. Roll Tide anyway. I still love my Crimson Tide, and I always will. And life does, indeed, go on.

Speaking of the great Iron Bowl tradition, I have to extend my thanks to both the Auburn and Alabama fans who turned out for last week's Lifestyle's photo shoot.

Sue Arnold was a life-saver – she organized the shoot – and Tammy Gaston graciously loaned us some of the props from little John Millan's tailgating themed birthday party.

Baby Ella, Gracie the dog and all others were amazingly patient while I shot umpteen photos. One of our littlest Bama fans – Stirling Hamilton III – had lots of energy and absolutely no desire to stand still for a silly ol' photo. Maybe next year…

Heavens, &#8220next year” will be here before we know it! Hard as it is to believe, 2005 is rapidly dwindling away. It's finally begun to feel like the season – cool, crisp breezes and nights perfect for snuggling beneath the comforter.

There's much to look forward to this December in the city and county.

Last week, I noticed the workers were starting to put the lights in the trees in Confederate Park. I absolutely love the fairyland appearance our downtown takes on each Christmas. This year our courthouse will be electrified, too – what a visual treat that should be.

December 3 will bring the return of the daytime parade to Greenville. A little bird tells me some of the county's vintage tractors and brand-new scooters just might appear during this year's festivities, slated for 10 a.m. Down south, Georgiana will hold their parade that afternoon at 2 p.m.

If you love art and want to help support one of the area's worthiest causes, please make an effort to stop in at the Greenville YMCA on Dec. 3 and check out the Holiday Art Mart and Silent Auction. Having talked with several of the artists and seen some of their work, I am certain this will be of great appeal to the many creative folks in our part of the world. It's also a wonderful opportunity to purchase the work of Alabama artists as a gift, or to treat yourself.

Or course, the volunteers at the Chamber of Commerce will be offering complimentary gift wrap once again, kicking off next Monday and running through Dec. 21. When you shop at home, you not only get to see friendly, familiar faces, you also get your purchases wrapped for free while you sample holiday treats and listen to the music of the season.

What a bargain!

Angie Long is Lifestyles reporter for The Greenville Advocate. She can be reached at 382-3111 ext. 132 or via email at angie.long@greenvilleadvocate.com.