Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

One of the coolest places I’ve ever run into Santa and Mrs. Claus is at Cracker Barrel in Lynchburg. Our son was nearly 2 years old, and we’d spent the day doing some Christmas shopping when we sat down for dinner—and in our section sat the famous couple. Come to find out, they’d just left the local Christmas parade and were heading back home.

We talked a little about Christmas and took a picture. While Santa was chatting with Colton, Mrs. Claus asked for my name and how I was doing—me, specifically. I didn’t want to end up on the Naughty List over a lie, so I told her I was still finding my voice as a mother, and it was hard. She handed me a little card with her and Kris Kringle’s picture on the front. On the back, there were some words—which she read aloud to me right in the restaurant. 

It was a motivational little thing, and everywhere she replaced “you” with “Amie.” She said a prayer with me and asked me to keep the card. It was all I could do to keep the tears inside. Sure, there are rumors out there that Santa “isn’t real.” But if you need some holly jolly Christmas spirit in you this season, I’ve met him—and I’ve met his wife—and after that experience, you can’t convince me otherwise. I’m so glad you’re here.

Santa Claus and the Grinch will make an appearance at The Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park. (Leesburg Animal Park)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: While going to the mall for a photo-op with Santa Claus can be a fun experience, you can make your child’s holiday even more special by meeting Santa at one of the many unique places he’ll be visiting this year.

Our top picks:

• Santa is setting up his workshop in the lobby of Angelika Film Center in the Mosaic District. He arrived in the district on a firetruck during the Annual Merry Mosaic Tree Lighting + Parade on Friday, Nov. 28. Santa’s Workshop at Mosaic opened that day at 7 p.m., and will remain open through Christmas Eve.

• The Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park is where Santa will be stationed fthrough Dec. 23. Visitors to the village should expect giant illuminated hill slides, a Christmas craft room, indoor kid’s play zone, miniature Christmas train rides, pony rides, animal petting and feeding in the illuminated barn, holiday photos with live animals, and a bonfire where marshmallows will be roasted.

• Storytime with Santa at Merrifield Garden Center goes far beyond the simple telling of a story; rather, it includes Santa telling Christmas stories, singing songs, and even holding a press conference where children can pose questions to him. The one-hour event also allows children to pose for a picture with Santa. Ticket sales benefit Children’s Life Services at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital.

Have you been naughty or nice? We’ve rounded up several unique opportunities to check your name and check it twice at the link below. 

Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, gestures during debate on the renewable energy bill on the floor of the House at the Capitol, Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

By Michael O’Connor

In the wake of November’s elections, more candidates are gearing up for next year’s all-important midterm elections that will determine which party controls the US House and US Senate. 

Among them is state Del. Sam Rasoul, a Democrat representing House District 38 in Roanoke. He recently announced plans to form an exploratory committee for a congressional bid next year.

Rasoul, 44, says he does consultant work to help organizations with their strategic planning and has served in the House of Delegates since 2014. Previously, he ran for Congress in 2008 to represent Virginia’s sixth congressional district but lost, and he came up short in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor in 2021. 

The Dogwood caught up with Rasoul by phone about why he’s considering a run for Congress, what Democrats need to do to win elections, redistricting, and health care policy. 

Margaret Brennan graduated from a university in the commonwealth. (Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock)

By Dorothy Scott

Did you know that CBS News’ Margaret Brennan attended the University of Virginia? She graduated in 2002 after studying foreign affairs and Middle Eastern studies. 

Brennan’s studying of international politics positioned her well to work in the news sector, and she quickly found success at CBS News. There, she moderates “Face the Nation” while also serving as the organization’s chief foreign affairs correspondent. In this capacity, she interviews folks at all levels, including Vice President JD Vance in October 2025.

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