Each morning as I have made my way to work this week, I have been transported back in time.

With white twinkling lights illuminating either side of Main Street, a part of me will always be 5 years old, squealing with delight as I witnessed the magic of Christmas transforming downtown.

More than two decades later, this tradition continues to warm my heart, and I am reminded of so many other traditions that have defined the holiday season.

For example, I will forever remember trips to Dowagiac to watch the lighted Christmas parade, then warming up at Zeke’s with a cup of cocoa and a warm dinner. Isn’t it funny how voyages seemed so much longer at a young age? I remember thinking of Dowagiac as a far-off place that required an hours-long commute.

On the way back to Niles, I have always enjoyed seeing the Niles Amtrak Depot sparkle, offering a warm welcome to visitors who travel to the city of Four Flags. Many years growing up, I helped to ring in the Christmas season with the Four Flags Garden Club as the Brandywine choir performed Christmas carols as part of the festivities.

Of course, it would not be Christmas in my mind without seeing Santa floating down the St. Joseph River as I traverse the Main Street Bridge.

I enjoyed learning about how this tradition is equally important to so many people throughout southwest Michigan — both for Niles residents and visitors from neighboring communities.

We are so blessed to have “Santa’s Helpers” to carry on this tradition year after year. The fact that generations of the Peters family and other selfless givers have helped Santa set sail for 55 years shows just how valuable this experience is to our community.

Each Christmas, I love seeing Veni’s fill with handmade candy canes and chocolate Santas. These goodies will be filling my family’s stockings for years to come.

Growing up, I enjoyed volunteering at Fernwood’s Lights Before Christmas events, where we would greet guests traversing the snowy gardens to visit with Santa Claus and see large light displays.

Another valued tradition in southwest Michigan — and in the U.S. in general — is donating one’s time to those less fortunate. Bells jingling outside our local supermarkets and downtown districts remind us of the giving spirit we feel this time of year, and the generous folks who donate.

Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are of volunteering during Christmastime, whether it was picking out presents for children or singing Christmas carols at a local nursing home.

No matter how busy life gets this time of year, these traditions have a way of transporting me back to the simpler, more magical days that only a child can fully feel.

No matter how old I get, at least during the holiday season, I know I will always be a kid at heart.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.