The Holstein non-motorized Christmas parade was a refreshing alternative to the commercialized, theme driven parades held in many communities. Except for the excellent Brussels bagpipers that lead the parade, the humble thirty minute display was virtually silent, save for clicking hooves and jingle bells. Absent but not at all missed were the non-stop advertisements and amplified Christmas music. Stripped down and simplified, the true meaning of Christmas - family and community - was felt. The only compromising moment in the parade was the inclusion of the Grey County tourism van. Although it was horse drawn to comply with the parade theme (and seemingly to add a little humour) the tourism entity's presence was unnecessary and noticeably out of place in the otherwise wonderfully wholesome event.
