NORWICH – If you have walked the streets of downtown Norwich in the last few weeks, you’ve probably noticed the decorations along the streets and in the store fronts. The holiday season is upon us once again, and local merchants have decorated their windows to display the holiday cheer.

According to Anna McLaughlin, owner of McLaughlin’s Department Store, “We always want to have the store decorated and the window displays done before the Santa parade.” Although the parade does not occur until the end of November, planning for the display begins much earlier. Decorations have to be sorted and bought and plans for the display are made.

McLaughlin tries to make her window display a little different every year, but one thing that is a constant is the life-sized Santa Claus that stands in her window. “He’s been a fixture in the store since the beginning. I think he’s probably considered an antique, but he’s a tradition for us so we always include him,” McLaughlin said.

Decorating has become something of a family affair at McLaughlin’s. “My three children pitch in to help, plus my sisters, and we order a pizza and have some Christmas music on and have a good time,” McLaughlin said. According to the store owner, adding a lot of red, green and white merchandise, makes the display have a holiday feel, without a lot of trees and lights.