Don’t miss the parade

We feel obligated to say it, as if you don’t already know it: The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade once made the New York Times’ top 10 list of holiday events.

The parade has changed a little over the years, but that hasn’t dampened its cheery effect.

It’s nearly impossible not to find yourself in a holiday spirit after seeing all the lights, on both boat and home, and hearing all the holiday music.

At the least, it’s a much friendlier way to get in the spirit than suffering through a night of ghostly visits -- that’s right, we’re talking to you, Scrooge.

The parade begins Wednesday night and runs through next Sunday. It starts each night about 6:30 p.m. near Collins Island and finishes about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and about 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Give yourself an early gift. Try not to miss it.THE LAST WORD