All tagged christmas
As 2025 ended and 2026 was being born, I had the opportunity to spend a week with my children and grandchildren at North Myrtle Beach, SC. Each year, we try to travel somewhere together to put aside our jobs and daily demands and focus on family. This year, all my children and all but one of my grandchildren made the trip.
As 2025 draws to a close, I have realized how much complaining I have heard – and done – this year. I confess that fault to my shame. I have so much in my life that brings me joy. Yet, too much of the time I focus on the negatives.
RALEIGH – State Veterinarian Mike Martin has granted entry into North Carolina to Santa Claus and his reindeer. This ensures that Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and yes, even Rudolph will be allowed into the state on Christmas Eve.
Sometime around Thanksgiving, children begin firing the question that never seems to end until Christmas Day.
The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast on November 6, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That figure translates into total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.
As the Christmas season arrives in Pink Hill, one of the town’s most beloved traditions returns for its 65th year. The Miss Merry Christmas contest, first established in 1960, continues to highlight young women from the community who embody the spirit of service, kindness, and giving back.
What DID Christmas look like around these parts 263 years ago, before the Revolution and our struggle for independence? At that time, this area was part of Dobbs County and pledged its allegiance to King George III.
As the Christmas season arrives in Pink Hill, one of the town’s most beloved traditions returns for its 65th year: the Miss Merry Christmas contest. Since 1960, this event has highlighted young women from the community who embody the spirit of service, kindness, and giving back.
DEEP RUN – Deep Run is getting ready to “put it all together” for the holidays with its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m.
Kinston is gearing up for the start of the holiday season as Downtown Kinston Revitalization prepares to host its annual tree lighting celebration, Turn on the Holidays, on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. in Pearson Park.
At the Friends of the Homeless Shelter in Kinston, stockings were stuffed, ornaments were hung, and tears of joy flowed freely as residents celebrated Christmas nearly four months early.
If I could have any superpower, what would it be? This question was asked during a recent video project I worked on. Without hesitation, or much thought, I said invisibility. I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting the art of blending in—being seen but not noticed. True invisibility held a deep appeal.
Queen Street United Methodist Church welcomes all to the 23rd annual "A Queen Street Christmas" on Saturday, December 14, 2024 and Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 6:00 each evening.
Queen Street United Methodist Church welcomes all to the 23rd annual "A Queen Street Christmas" on Saturday, December 14, 2024 and Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 6:00 each evening.
Chophouse 222, located at 222 N. Herritage Street in downtown Kinston, North Carolina, is announcing limited pre-opening reservations for holiday gatherings. Although the restaurant has not officially opened, prospective patrons can book reservations for Christmas and New Year’s events between December 13, 2024, and January 6, 2025.
Downtown Kinston is gearing up for its annual Light the Night Christmas Parade, a hallmark holiday event that brings thousands of spectators to the streets. Hosted by Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), the parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, starting at 4:30 p.m. from Historic Grainger Stadium, located at 400 E. Grainger Ave.
The holiday season officially kicks off in downtown Kinston with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Pearson Park (210 W. Gordon St.). Hosted by Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), the annual "Turn On the Holidays" event begins at 6 p.m., promising an evening filled with music, performances, and holiday cheer.
I have a fascination with how other people decorate their spaces for the holidays. Recently a friend of mine sent me a photo of her table top which held adorable fall decorations and I got to thinking about whether or not I wanted to decorate my own house. It’s not really a thought I’ve wrestled with in the past because I’ve never lived anywhere long enough to accumulate decorations.
The Christmas season is perhaps my favorite time of year. I love the music, the special holiday foods with their delicious aromas, the brightly decorated Christmas trees, and the candles adorning windows. Some yards come to life with the lights of Christmas.
Christmas in the 1950s-1960s was magical for me in downtown Kinston, North Carolina. They called it, “The Magic Mile.” This was before malls and shopping centers. Downtown included everything! Each store went all out to decorate more elaborately than their neighbor.
