Though it was just five months ago that New Orleans residents had their lives shattered by Hurricane Katrina, city officials have decided to hold modified Mardi Gras celebrations this month.

Critics might say it is too soon to begin thinking about hosting the annual celebration in the Big Easy once again, but the decision was the right one for the city.

This past weekend, thousands of people celebrated the first parades of the season in New Orleans. And judging by the turnout, many are ready to take their minds off rebuilding for the time being.

Everyone knows the devastation that Hurricane Katrina caused the city and the surrounding areas. New Orleans has had nothing but despair and negativity for five months, so the warm, care-free atmosphere that is typical of Mardi Gras will be a nice break for the area.

Officials have planned accordingly: The main part of the party is shortened this year, running for 10 days starting Feb. 18 and ending on Fat Tuesday.

The city will spend an estimated $2.7 million on police overtime, trash collection and other operational costs during the celebrations, according to a Feb. 12 New York Times article. Such expenses ensures order will be maintained throughout the city and police and sanitation workers will have monies to spend at local businesses. Officials could go one step further and put a different spin on the celebrations, using them to collect money for people and the city, instead of just to drink and party.

But either way, now is time to give the people something to look forward to and enjoy. At this point, being positive is all they can do. No one can fault New Orleans residents for trying to make light of their situation.

The season is not about celebrating the tragedy, but rather about celebrating and rejuvenating the spirit of New Orleans. That spirit has already shown through, with the residents' determination to keep the legacy of Mardi Gras going instead of canceling it this year.

We can only hope the festivities attract enough attention and tourists to make them special.

When the parades pass and the beads clear, the devastation will still be there.

But maybe the city will be that much more upbeat and revitalized, with even more resolve to start over.