There is something special about this time of year; the decorations, the shopping, the mass consumerism. I love it all! It is always something to sit back and watch the Christmas season take over the area and watch the wreathes go up and find special holiday themed events to take part in. 

This year, I got to experience the 24th annual A Dickens Holiday in Downtown Fayetteville for the first time ever. It was a fantastic experience to go downtown and see all of the historic costumes, performances and the actors from A Christmas Carol. The ghost of Scrooge's dead partner freaked me out though, lumbering throughout downtown with an agonized expression. Whoever that performer was deserves a raise and a mighty round of applause. I also discovered a fun new store called Cursive and got my photo taken with a Victorian Christmas Llama -the title is important- and that, to this point, is one of the main highlights for this year. 

I'm also looking forward to experiencing Cape Fear Regional Theatre's annual production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at this year's company Christmas party. While I am familiar with the story (the film version was played many times during Sunday school throughout my childhood) I'm excited to see how CFRT makes it their own! 

As you enjoy our second to last issue for 2023, I hope you enjoy the stories featured including the Thomas College of Business and Economics profile at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a Q & A getting to know the new CEO of DistiNCtly Fayetteville David Heath (page 5)  and a county by county breakdown of Christmas events happening throughout the GFBJ's coverage area (pages 14-15). I would also like to gently remind everyone to get a jump on their Christmas shopping. I began back in mid November, so I know I'm covered, but it's always good to avoid the absolute madhouse that will be local stores come the week of Dec. 20. 

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season and a family that is easy to shop for! 

Happy reading,