Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Growing up, my older brother (his name’s Chad, but to me, he’s Bubba) and I had a special tradition. On Christmas Eve, we’d camp out in his room, playing board games and watching holiday specials until we couldn’t keep our eyes open. Then on Christmas morning, we’d race into Mama and Daddy’s room, doing whatever shenanigans we could to wake them bright and early.

Daddy would always venture to the living room to set up the video camcorder and capture our excitement as we raced in to see what Santa brought the night before. One year, it was a puppy. Another, a piano. And one of our favorites, a desktop computer (granted, the DSL came a few years later). Nowadays, I’m the one running down the stairs with my cell phone camera in video mode to catch all of the joy my little one experiences when he sees the spread. 

It’s no secret that today, for me, is historically my favorite of every year. I adore the thrill of Santa’s surprises, love giving gifts, and, well, it’s pretty nice to receive them too! But the most special part, for me, is enjoying a morning with my little family where there’s no schedule, there’s stocking candy for breakfast, and wrapping paper littered all over the floor. I hope your holiday season is just as merry and bright as you’d hoped—and I’m so glad you’re here. 

P.S. Our offices are closed from Dec. 24-Jan. 1; fear not—your newsletters will continue as normal. However, I won’t be keeping tabs on my inbox during that time—so while I always look forward to hearing from you, I likely won’t see your message(s) until the New Year. Happy holidays from all of us here at Dogwood!

Here’s what you need to know: Does a 5 p.m. sunset leave you with extra space in your evening? We’ve found fun, festive ways to fill the void—without breaking the bank. Just because it gets dark early doesn’t mean you can’t go on an adventure to explore something new and exciting.

Our top picks: 

• Experience the magic of the season with a 2.5-mile drive-thru light show that is sure to amaze you at the Bull Run Festival of Lights. Open through Jan. 5, this enchanting event lights up the night with festive colors galore. Included in the admission price, guests can also explore a unique holiday village, complete with bonfires, s’mores, and merchandise.

• Dark Sky Park at Staunton River State Park is a must-visit attraction if you like to look at the stars. The park’s low horizons make it a good place to look at the sky—and all the cosmos has to offer. There are several options at the park for stargazers, including checking out telescopes and enjoying interpretive programs.

• If you’re visiting Colonial Williamsburg, you’ve simply got to swing by the Williamsburg Liberty Ice Pavilion. Located downtown, the pavilion provides the perfect experience to ice skate—while taking in historic sites! If you’re hoping for a warm treat, you’re in luck. Hot cider, coffee, and more are available for purchase when you step off of the ice. 

Pining for more? We’ve got adventures galore for your family to enjoy after the sun sets this winter. 

Photo by Ruth Maxie

The year was 1946—and 11-year-old Ruth Maxie knew that Santa Claus was real.

As a child, Ruth didn’t have many dolls of her own. She and her five sisters lived with their single mother in the Danville area, and money was understandably tight. That’s why when Ruth walked into a local department store around Christmastime and spotted the most beautiful doll she’d ever seen, she knew it wasn’t a realistic item to request for Christmas. 

She knew her mother couldn’t afford the $12 purchase, and besides, the girls were ever-so grateful for the tasty treats Santa usually brought, like an orange and some nuts. Still, she mentioned the blonde-haired, brown-eyed doll in the pink dress to her mother. 

Come Christmas morning, Ruth awoke to the shock of a lifetime. Not only had Santa come the night before, but he’d left the very same doll she saw in the department store downtown—and it was all hers. 

“I could not believe that I got it because I knew mama didn’t have that much money, but I was the happiest little girl in the world,” Ruth said.

Now 89 years old, Ruth still doesn’t know how her mother could’ve afforded the doll. That left only one option, and it’s one she’s told her family for years. In 1946, Ruth knew with certainty that there was a Santa Claus—and the magic of that morning still exists over 75 years later. 

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