Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I believe the overarching theme heading into the week before Christmas is something my Grandpa used to say: “I’m doin’, but I don’t know how!” Well, how are y’all? Got your presents wrapped and stockings hung by the chimney with care? Or are you more like me, who finally carved out time to see Santa last night? Plot twist: Colton informed jolly ole St. Nick with 11 days left to go that he wants a trampoline; and yes, that’s the first my husband and I heard about it. Thank you, Amazon Prime.

You know what else Amazon Prime is great for? Delivering “Christmas” costumes when you discover a few nights before your Living Nativity program that you completely forgot to order them. We couldn’t find any more traditional options that’d arrive in time, but the Jedi ensembles would, so… the lovely folks playing the vendors at “Bethlehem’s Best Baskets” might’ve had to tell a few attendees that they got a little confused between the Star of Bethlehem and Star Wars. And yes, we were the lovely folks playing the vendors at “Bethlehem’s Best Baskets.”

Why am I telling y’all this? It’s because no matter which holiday you’re celebrating or which traditions you’re enjoying this time of year, I want you to remember something important: It doesn’t have to go perfectly to be greatly enjoyable. So often, I fear we cheat ourselves out of a happy memory because we “don’t have the right thing to wear” or our “presence wouldn’t matter.” It does. You do. And just like Amazon Prime, I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Community Editor, Dogwood

All aboard: Enchanting Virginia train rides for a cozy holiday experience

Here’s what you need to know: While the Polar Express doesn’t run in Virginia, there are a number of trains that still operate in the commonwealth. If you’re looking to go on a cozy adventure this winter, consider riding one of these!

Our top picks:

Virginia Scenic Railway—Santa’s Scenic Railroad, a seasonal offering, runs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. “Enjoy Virginia’s best new holiday tradition amidst sparkly holiday decorations, with hot cocoa, a cookie and best of all—a special appearance from Santa,” is how the website describes the 50-minute ride.
Rappahannock Railroad Museum—Go for a ride on the Little Yellow Train when visiting the Rappahannock Railroad Museum. It’s a collection of restored former Maintenance of Way equipment from different railroads, including a former RF&P motorcar, a small C&O motorcar and a couple of old B&O passenger cars, that you can now ride in.
Amtrak—A good ole passenger train ride is also worth considering, and Amtrak has 21 stations to choose from in Virginia. You can take one of the trains to any number of ideal winter destinations the commonwealth has to offer. While on your ride, you can even enjoy a nice meal or drinks in one of the café cars.

Ready to ride? Learn more about these festive excursions (and a bonus route) below!

Read this article

Want to write a letter to the North Pole? As community editor, I just so happen to have special connections with the jolly old man in the bright red suit. Ever since “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” was printed in 1897, it’s just come with the editorial territory! Nah, you don’t have to be a kiddo to write; just a child at heart. I think it’d be super special to run your letters on our site before Christmas. Please email me at amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply to this newsletter by Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m.

A group of 12 legislators from across the state voted early this week to approve a deal intended to lure the region’s professional basketball and hockey teams out of Washington, DC, to a new home in Virginia.

The deal, which still requires approval from the General Assembly and local government officials, would create a massive mixed-use entertainment development in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood that would be anchored by a sports arena intended to be the new home of the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards.

Virginia currently holds the distinction of being the largest state in the country that’s not home to a professional sports team.

Read this article

~ ICYMI ~

Five students from Central Elementary School in Amherst County sought medical attention on Tuesday, following an incident that happened on school grounds. A total of seven students experienced an “allergic reaction,” which prompted school administrators to call emergency services. The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office conducted a field test on a Ziploc bag that a student brought from home, containing gummy bears that the children ate while at Central. ACPS confirmed on Dec. 12 that the bag tested positive for fentanyl (READ MORE HERE).
“When Congress passed its latest funding measure to avoid a government shutdown, members left crucial unfinished business on the table. As a mom, I was frustrated that our elected leaders failed to tackle two devastating funding shortfalls that directly impact my family and millions of others,” Taylor Moyer wrote as part of an op-ed on Congress passing its latest funding measure to avoid a government shutdown (READ MORE HERE).
The commonwealth is making big moves towards improving passenger rail service and access. Political leaders from across Virginia convened recently for an event in NoVA to announce $729,000,000 in federal funding secured for Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) projects. Additionally, the board of directors of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority voted unanimously to take a massive step forward in the building of a new Potomac River rail crossing, awarding the first contracts to design and build the Virginia-side aspects of the project, a centerpiece of the TRV initiative (READ MORE HERE).

Your History Highlight

Our weekly history highlight uncovers local stories you might not have heard—even if you’ve lived in Virginia for years! Got an untold story or legend you’d like for us to investigate? We’re all ears.

224 years ago yesterday, George Washington took his final breath, following an illness he contracted after being outdoors in the rain. The nation’s first president, a Virginian, died at his Mount Vernon estate on Dec. 14 around 10 p.m.

According to the Library of Congress, the leader’s last words reportedly were: “I feel myself going. I thank you for your attentions; but I pray you to take no more trouble about me. Let me go off quietly. I cannot last long.”

Washington was originally buried in the tomb pictured, and reinterred in 1831 to his final resting place. Both locations were on his property at Mount Vernon.

📸: Johnson, N. G, photographer/Library of Congress

This email is written by Amie Knowles, community editor at Dogwood, lifelong Virginia resident, and mom to a fantastic five-year-old who loves monster trucks.
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