Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

We did it, friends. We enjoyed our Christmas tree in the living room for a whole entire year. It’s something I’d always wanted to do, but feared that it might not feel as “special” when Christmastime came back around. The pros: It was fun to turn on the lights whenever we wanted, and it was nice to have a corner decorated late at night on the weekends. The con: I love the tradition of decorating the tree.

Kody, Colton, and I quickly devised a plan. We’d go to the store and pick out one new ornament each to hang on the tree. I had it in my head that we’d drive to Danville and go to Hobby Lobby, a store with a beautiful selection of meaningful ornaments. But with jiu jitsu practice, Christmas programs, and everyday life, it became apparent that a crafting store trip wasn’t happening until at least mid-month.

Instead, we went to our fancy neighborhood Family Dollar and each picked the perfect $1.25 ornament. Kody got a silver star, Colton chose a dapper penguin, and I selected a glittery fox. We placed them on the tree, snapped a photo, and voila—fully decorated. This weekend, I encourage you to find the fun, even if it’s not exactly what you’d had in mind. And remember, I’m so glad you’re here. 

Here’s what you need to know: For the past two years, Santa’s taken to the skies ahead of Christmas with the help of the Fleet Angels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC). Navy helicopter pilots use the flight as training—as well as a way to help spread Christmas cheer throughout Hampton Roads. This year’s flight will take place on December 7. 

Three times to note: 

10 a.m. – Takeoff at Norfolk Naval Base

10:35 a.m. – Mount Trashmore

11:15 a.m. – King Neptune Statue

Santa’s special flight will take about an hour and a half. Click below to scout out when the best sightings near local businesses and communities will occur.

Question of the Week: What are some of your “classic Virginia” winter traditions? From selecting the perfect fresh cut tree to your favorite ice skating rink, I’d love to hear about it at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Haul out the holidays! There’s more than just Santa Claus coming to town this month.

Here’s a little information about each featured holiday:

• St. Nicholas Day celebrates the life of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness to children.

• Las Posadas commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
• National Ugly Sweater Day is exactly what it sounds like—get those fashion statements ready to wear.
• Yule celebrates the winter solstice and the upcoming return of lighter days after a dark winter.

• Winter Solstice marks the onset of winter and the shortest daylight time of the year.
• Festivus originated from a Seinfeld episode where the sitcom characters discussed a tradition of going against the commercialism of the season.
• National Eggnog Day celebrates the sweet, milky beverage made with sugar, spices, cream, and eggs.
• Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 165/164 BC.

• Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American and Pan-African culture, history, values, and community.
• New Year’s Eve marks the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar—and is met with celebration across the country near midnight. 

• Have you seen Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s “personal” invitation to incoming Trump employees to live in Virginia? It left some people scratching their heads, especially considering the possibility of federal cuts after the president-elect takes office (WATCH HERE).

• What would you do with a $3.2 billion surplus? That’s the projected amount that Youngkin will break down in the state budget draft coming on Dec. 18. While Republicans will likely lean toward tax cuts, Democrats, who have control of the state House and Senate, will probably push for the funds to go to public schools, higher education, health care, and more (WATCH HERE).

• A number of inmates at a western Virginia state prison have intentionally burned themselves in response to alleged abuse, prompting state lawmakers to call for immediate action and an investigation (READ MORE HERE).

This week, we’re featuring a college football highlight! If you’d like to see your team’s accomplishments broadcast on Dogwood’s platforms, send a note and photo to amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply to this message. Just be sure you have permission to share from all of the proper sources—players/guardians, photographers, and coaches/schools, to name a few.

Photo by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum

What better way to celebrate your love of college sports than by showing off your team spirit? Ahead of the recent Virginia Cavaliers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies game, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum released a limited-edition rivalry figurine.

The figures go head-to-head (literally), showcasing Virginia’s Cavman and Virginia Tech’s HokieBird. The company noted that the first rivalry game between the two schools took place in 1895.

Want to get in on the action? You can find out more info about the local sports item here.

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