Being multi-talented is a gift, and profiting from those talents is a blessing. There was a time when working a 9-to-5 job that may or may not be fulfilling was the norm and an accepted lifestyle. Over the decades, that has changed, with each generation inching out of the traditional work environment.
According to The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, entrepreneurship has been at an all-time high in the United States since 2022. Fayetteville is a hub for small businesses ranging from doctor's offices to restaurants, to hair and nail salons. The area supports small businesses.
One local woman is carving out her piece of the American pie and setting a new standard for what it means to be a black female entrepreneur in 2024 and beyond. If Hasani J is a name you are not familiar with, prepare to be acquainted. Barber, R&B recording artist, and podcast host, Hasani J is raking up the titles and has the education to back it up. She’s no stranger to the hair world, growing up the daughter of a master barber and shop owner.
“I grew up in the hair world. I learned in the barbershop. [I] started out sweeping the floor for my stepdad, Mac, who is the owner of Skibo Barbershop on George Owen Drive. Both of my brothers fix hair. My birth father cuts hair as well, but hairstylists and barbers are something that my family does,” Hasani explained.
During the week she holds a seat down as the only female barber at Barber Kings located off Hope Mills Road. During her time at the shop, she’s grown her skills and added some degrees to her walls.
“I am a Master Cosmetologist. I’m a Master Barber. I am getting my doctorate in the barber field. I’m certified and right now I’m also about to go take my instructor's class to get my instructor's license. We have a classroom here, so I’ll be doing some classes here,” she said.
In what has been a male-dominated field, Hasani J has made her mark and earned the respect of her counterparts without much pushback.
She said, “It’s actually easier when you are a woman because we know what WE like to look at. So I learned from looking. I’m a cosmetologist first, so I learned from my peers in the industry and I was taught well. Everybody wanted to help me. So then being female in the industry it’s a plus.” To book an appointment visit her booking site at https://hasanijcutzllc.as.me/schedule/cbbef6cd.
Hasani J’s talent doesn’t stop at her skills with the sheers and clippers, she’s also a talented R&B artist. Her music can be found on several streaming platforms including Apple Music. She’s performed her music live at several local events around the city, most recently the boxing match held at the Crown Complex.
Her smooth voice, spicy lyrical wordplay, and island-flavored sound are perfect additions to any playlist.
“I do R&B music, love music, grown music, for grown folks. Right now I’m working on my first EP, but I do have a nice catalog right now. They are out on all musical platforms so you can go check that out. And I do have my latest single which came out about a month ago. That’s for the ladies,” she said.
She also uses her voice to host her podcast, Ova Ya Head, where she discusses weekly topics ranging from marrying a narcissist to marketing your small business. To watch an episode or subscribe visit the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ovayaheadhasanij.
While her accolades and talents are many, she has never stopped giving back to the community that raised her. She is the secretary of Cut My City, a nonprofit founded by Barbadian natives and Barber Kings owners Dr. Sundiata Morris and Dr. Lumumba Quow.
Cut My City brings haircuts to the neighborhoods in need here in Cumberland County and surrounding areas. Their famous cut bus (equipped with a generator, barber chairs, and a small waiting area) can be found at community events and supporting nonprofits.
They also host an annual Christmas toy drive to support local nonprofits in their efforts and have a year-round partnership with the Cumberland County Health Department. Through these continuous efforts and her donations to a single mother once a year, Hasani J proves her love for the city that made her and supports her. With all her success in her many endeavors, Hasani admits that she couldn’t and cannot continue to do it without the people around her, saying, “All my family. All of my fans with my music from day one, who come to my shows, that stream my music. Shout out to my kids. My grandkids. I would like to shout out my Barber King fellas. My mother and my stepfather, my father, my brothers and sisters. Just family and friends and everybody that supports all of my businesses as far as music and as far as cutting hair.” To stay up to date on all things Hasani J, follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028020619162.

(Photo courtesy of Hasani J)

The City of Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Commission is currently accepting nominations for its 2025 Community Awards. The Community Awards seek to promote positive human relations within the Cumberland County community.
A luncheon to honor the winners will be held Feb. 13 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 11 a.m. Applications for nominations will be accepted until Jan. 10 by 3 p.m. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline. Winners will be notified Jan. 14 and will receive two honorary tickets to the luncheon.
The FCHR requests that those who match multiple categories be nominated for the most appropriate category description. Nominators can only nominate one person, and they cannot nominate themselves. Nominees need to be residents of Cumberland County for the year they have been nominated. There are nine award categories.
The Youth Award is given to a student who is 21 years or younger. This student must have provided outstanding human relations service. The Humanitarian Award honors individuals for their outside humanitarian and volunteer activities.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is granted to an individual who has demonstrated human relations efforts through a body of work of 20 years or more. The Individual Award is given to an individual who exhibits constructive concern for oppressed people and speaks out on issues affecting the lives of economically disadvantaged people.
The Industry/Business Award is given to a business or industry that has an Equal Employment Opportunity program. The Educator Award is given to an educator who has been involved in worthy human relations throughout the school year.
The Military Award is given to an active duty or reserve military member, military unit or organization that promotes better human and race relations through activities and programs.
The Religious Leader Award is granted to a religious leader who promotes better human and race relations. The Organization Award is given to a commission, board, or organization that provides training, orientation and workshops about equal opportunities.
For a full description of each award and to submit a nomination, visit www.fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/human-relations-4154
The mission of the FCHR is to “serve as an innovative, proactive, and project-oriented public service department promoting equal opportunity and positive community relations to facilitate the protection of human and civil rights in Fayetteville and Cumberland County via the City’s Human Relations Ordinance.”
The department serves the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community by responding to requests for assistance and listening to residents’ concerns. They work closely with the Fayetteville Fair Housing Board to provide the community with workshops providing equal employment opportunity and fair housing.

In September, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden received a $50,000 grant toward their Heritage Garden Revitalization Project, awarded by the 2024 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program with support from Linder Turf and Tractor. The $50,000 will aid several aspects of revitalization, including the Heritage Garden’s ultimate purpose of connecting the past, present, and future of horticulture and agriculture in North Carolina.
According to information published by CFBG, the Heritage Garden Complex is a 1900’s era interpretive experience including a Farmhouse, General Store, Corn Crib, Tobacco Barn, and garden spaces:
• The Carter – McCauley – Snider Farmhouse: Built by Alexander Carter in 1886, this farmhouse was initially located near the entrance to Baywood in Eastover and was relocated to CFBG in 1996. It boasts original mantels, woodwork, ceilings, floors, lattices, and some original doors.
• General Store: Originally located on the same site as the Carter—McCauley—Snider Farmhouse and operated by the Carters, the general store now sells farm implements and hosts educational programs.
• Corn Crib: Originally located on the same site as the Carter—McCauley—Snider Farmhouse, the corncrib serves as a storage space and antique machinery shelter.
• Tobacco Barn: Built in the 1930s and donated by Mrs. Lill Geddie, this building was added to the Heritage Garden in 2000. It is considered a rare remaining element of pre-industrial tobacco farming.
• Garden Spaces: Completed in 1999 and maintained by the Master Gardeners of Cumberland County; the garden spaces include a vegetable garden used for therapeutic gardening programs.
Sheila Hanrick, Director of Marketing, Programs and Visitor Experience at CFBG says they’re deeply aware of the need to preserve and teach North Carolina history, especially Eastern farm life, to students in surrounding counties. They feel the Heritage Garden is uniquely positioned as an educational resource. As an approved NC field trip facility with written programming that meets the NC State curriculum standards, they hope to foster a “sense of connection, education and just an appreciation of the history of the North Carolina farmer,” according to Hanrick.
Hanrick said the Heritage Garden has been maintained by CFBG volunteers over the years, with many volunteers having a military background, making the Kubota “Hometown Proud” Grant Program a perfect fit.
“That was sort of a natural connection that we made with some of our volunteers and with what Fayetteville in Cumberland County is known for,” Hanrick explained.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden originally heard of the grant program from a cohort at another local nonprofit, who forwarded the
information to Harnick.
“Nonprofits in our area are very much known for partnering with each other and looking out for each other,” Harnick said.
After reviewing the grant application and discussing the opportunity, Harnick said they decided to move forward.
Local Kubota dealer Linder Turf and Tractor agreed to support CFBG in the application process by being interviewed. Linder Turf and Tractor has an ongoing relationship with CFBG providing equipment and repairs, and while they had no say in the outcome, their contribution to the grant application was an essential part of the process.
“It’s a really neat circle of how we all helped each other,” Hanrick commented.
After an initial phase where twenty applicants received $10,000 each, community members voted on which ten would ultimately receive a $50,000 grant.
“It was up to us to rally the community to vote,” Hanrick explained, “praise the Lord, they did!”
Chris Hoffman, CEO at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, says they’ve already received several proposals for portions of the revitalization project requiring contracting with local businesses.
According to information provided by CFBG, the current Heritage Garden Revitalization Project has three phases:
Phase One included analyzing conditions, programming, and defining project phases. This phase has seen the successful and ongoing renovation of pathway drainage and surface materials, irrigation systems, ongoing weed remediation, soil improvements, and expanded garden plots.
Phase Two includes replacing a non-compliant pedestrian bridge to fit ADA standards, installing educational signage, installing raised “seat” beds that allow children, guests with motility issues, and volunteers to sit on the edge of raised garden beds as they work, installing arbor structures, and reconfiguring lighting and irrigation systems.
Phase Three depends on funding and includes the completion of phase 2 elements plus the conversion of a Farmhouse room into a functional workspace for staff/volunteer use and water service reconnection to sink and restroom.
Hoffman said that eventually, funds could additionally support programs that take place in the garden. CFBG hopes to rebuild relationships with military volunteers, retirees, and therapeutic court programs who could use the Heritage Garden complex as a space to learn about gardening, growing food, and well-being.
Though the funds may not be sufficient to complete all phases of the project, Hoffman described the grant as an “incredibly important part of helping us get the ball rolling” in their efforts to preserve the Cape Fear area’s agricultural history.
He described CFBG’s response as “humbly grateful,” adding that he was “just so thankful that they saw us as a worthy candidate.”

(Photo: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden's Farmhouse, built in 1886, was relocated to the Garden in 1996. It has original pieces all throughout the structure, and is part of the Heritage Garden Complex.)

Just a day after Helene passed in late September, I found myself restless to do something to help.
An event with that scale of destruction often highlights the skills we lack. But I knew that folks were without water, and bringing them water was something I could do. I threw on my Town Council name tag.
I knew I didn’t yet have the answers to pressing questions, but I wanted to show that someone from the often maligned “government” did care and wanted to take action.
In the days after, I spent a lot of time getting the answers to the questions I heard. I worked with federal, state and local officials to plot our recovery.
At this point, few, if anyone, in our town had reliable access to the internet or news. Unknown to me was what was being said about Hurricane Helene or its aftermath, about my town, about my state, about the FEMA response.
I spent hours in meetings with federal employees, parents living out of a hotel room, thousands of miles away from home, here to help. They were dedicated and experienced. Beyond them, the National Guard, state emergency officials, local government employees, and our state House representative, were actively looking to solve problems and help those they shared these mountains with.
We were all so focused on the work and tired that I don’t remember one of us mentioning or even considering the rumors that were swirling all around us.
I didn’t yet know that there was already a rumor taking hold of an active plot to deny people relief, that the government generally didn’t care or had given all the money away to undocumented immigrants.
I thought back to what I had seen in the hours after the storm, when I was just out there to help with water.
After several conversations and supply drops, I came across an older man standing in his truck door outside his mobile home, using his seat as a table.
I asked if he needed anything, knowing it was almost a bad joke to ask. As the man turned to me, I was struck by how familiar he seemed. We’d not met, but the lines on his face, a permanent grin in his eyes – even in the face of this disaster – he reminded me of my own long line of wiry and weary folks; rode-hard and put-up wet, as the old saying goes.
He offered me a slice of pizza, promising it was fresh. In spite of everything – the nauseating scene of destruction all around us, the sheer scale of the loss – he provided hospitality to me.
He spoke of how he felt let down– a hard worker and a taxpayer, now uncertain if he’d get any help. He told me he thought he’d be deemed unworthy, ineligible for help.
He expects nothing because his life had been a history of stumbles with no safety nets. He had bumper stickers all over his truck, expressing the popular political enthusiasm for “Making America Great Again.”
When I finally had the means to view news, my head spun.
Candidates who feed into this hatred of FEMA, spread or fail to correct the rumor that only $750 will be offered to victims, or, even worse, claim that Helene was an artificial storm, manufactured by liberal political operatives to disable rural Republicans and take their land — the damage from those lies transcends political party and rural/urban identity. If that narrative sticks it will only hurt people.
If even one person in need refuses help because of what he’s heard, the harm becomes unforgivable.
I worry regularly for that man who offered me pizza in the trailer park, his neighbors, and their community. And I hope that in spite of the rumors online, they’ve applied for the assistance they need to begin to rebuild.
I believe we have a long way to go and that the response hasn’t been perfect, but the only thing any person holding office, as I currently do, or seeking office regardless of party should be saying:
Apply for all the aid you need to rebuild and to care for you and your family. I will fight like hell to make sure you get it.

Editor's note: Dalton George, 25, serves as the Mayor Pro-Tem of the Town of Boone and is one of the youngest officeholders in the state. He has spent the better part of the past decade organizing in rural North Carolina around housing, environmental issues, and voting rights. This column is syndicated by Beacon Media, please contact info@beaconmedianc.org with thoughts or feedback.

Greetings Members of the Community, Friends and Supporters:
It is with profound gratitude that I greet you as your newly elected Cumberland County School Board member in District 1. I sincerely “thank you” for your invaluable support during my campaign. As a new member of the Board, I am committed to serving our community as we make decisions collectively that will equip and empower students to truly become contributing and productive members of our community and society. Please know that I am community-focused, compassionate and will communicate and collaborate with all stakeholders in an effective manner to accomplish goals.
I am dedicated to ensuring school safety, to advocating for better pay for all school employees and strongly advocating for students to stay in school and earn their diplomas. My belief is that together we can elevate our good school system into a great one by prioritizing where funding goes, which means truly investing in educators and all children.
As a retired school administrator, my desire is to ultimately observe a significant increase in academic achievement, especially for those students with socio-economic disadvantages. We must utilize effective and appropriate strategies that are paramount for successful outcomes, address both academic and non-academic barriers to learning and continue to link students and families to school resources and community organizations. In addition, our children and educators deserve to learn and work in environments that are conducive for optimal learning which means school repairs must also be completed for many of our schools.
I implore you to talk with your community members/neighbors so all will be involved in the decisions that are made for your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. It really does take a village to raise, collaborate with and be concerned for all children.
I am unwavering in my commitment to excellence and vow to utilize all the knowledge and wisdom I learned in the classroom and as an administrator to make the best decisions to increase the opportunity for success for “All Students, Faculty and Staff”. I hope you will agree with me when I say “All Children” deserve a quality and equitable education!
Again, thank you for your support and I look forward to working with you.

—Dr. Mary A. Hales
Member, Cumberland County School Board
District # One

The flip of a calendar into a brand-new year brings with it hope, anticipation, and sometimes trepidation, even fear.
Our nation has come through an exhausting and divisive election season, with about half of Americans pleased with the outcomes and the other half of us less than thrilled. Paul Krugman, a retiring columnist for the New York Times, wrote in his final column about the disparity of optimism 25 years ago when he penned his first column and now. He notes that it is “hard to convey just how good most Americans were feeling in 1999 and early 2000. Polls showed a level of satisfaction with the direction of the country that looks surreal by today’s standards…. The public no longer has faith that the people running things know what they’re doing or that we can assume that they’re being honest.”
Krugman is hardly alone in his observation that our outlook on our country has changed dramatically in the last quarter century. In addition to our own opinions—whatever they may be, there are more concrete indications of declining optimism.
Perhaps most startling is the reality that some Americans—no one knows how many—are thinking of leaving the United States for nations they believe to be more stable, have a better quality of life, have a less contentious electorate, have a lower cost-of-living, or are just more appealing for whatever reasons. Some have concrete plans to leave their homeland, and some are already gone.
Evidence of this movement, however small it may be, is clear. CNN reports that searches for “move Canda” hit a 12-month peak in early November, before dropping back to last year’s level. Other nations, including Portugal, Spain, and Italy report increased American traffic on their websites and calls from Americans exploring the possibilities of relocating. Expatsi, an enterprise that helps Americans move abroad for whatever reasons, said that in the runup to the November elections, 60,000 people used its service to match with another country.
Since the elections, more than 48,000 more Americans have done so. Two of my own friends have purchased homes in Europe and spend time there, one in France and one in Italy. Both are middle-aged men.
No one knows, of course, how many Americans are considering or acting on a move to another country, and the numbers are surely small. Moving one’s home is inherently complicated, and moving to another country takes that to another level.
The gulf that divides us is wide, deep, and, for some, bitter.
We have been here before.
Historians tell us the decades surrounding our own Civil War saw strong divisions, and within the memories of many living Americans, the social upheavals bookending the American conflict in Vietnam remain fresh and painful. We have survived and thrived despite these and other difficult periods in our relatively brief national history.
Our past is one of a diverse, innovative, and tolerant people.
We bring our own experiences to the collective table, and so far, we have been able to reconcile ours with those of others who come from different places and traditions.
I have hope that 2025 will be a year in which we heed the words of the centuries-old serenity prayer---accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
I wish all of us a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year.

Artist Katie Crawford has created a show where science and art meet. “The Whimsical Naturalist” opened Dec. 6 and runs through Jan. 10 at the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County. The exhibit features Crawford’s paintings of North Carolina plants and animals.
“One of my favorite portraits right now is the Hoary Bat,” she muses. Crawford researches flora and fauna and uses the information to build works that tell a story about the creatures' habitats and their primary characteristics.
“Bats tend to be associated with darkness, horror, and creepiness; however they are vital for environmental balance. These bats in particular actually roost in Black Locust trees, a species with beautiful flowers and leaves. The Hoary Bat is naturally adorable pest control on wings. We should be thankful every time we see a bat swooping around!”
“The Whimsical Naturalist ” will include watercolor and mixed media paintings and needle-felted sculptures. Crawford will also debut four new large scale works created during her residency.
The Arts Council’s Southeastern Artist in Residence program provides visual artists the opportunity to lean into their craft through time, space, and financial support. SEAR was catalyzed by a $20,000 Grant for Art Projects from the National Endowment for the Arts to the Arts Council. Crawford is the first SEAR artist and completes her 6-month residency with the gallery exhibit.
“It has been so amazing to see the creative journey that an artist embarks on once they have an idea in mind,” says Arts Council President Robert Pinson. “To see a blank pad of paper come alive with rough pencil sketches of mere images in the artist’s mind, that later take a more defined form on the final canvas, is so exciting to witness.”
The four new works created during her residency are the largest pieces Crawford has ever painted. Her opening reception on Dec. 6 was the first time all of her pieces have been on display in the same gallery.
“I am excited to create a whimsical world that people can step into! A world where nature's wonders and realities are emphasized through playful character development, shifting perspectives, and scientific knowledge.”
Crawford also shares her knowledge with artists through her creativity workshops. Her second SEAR workshop, “Becoming Creative Again ,” is an invitation for adults to explore their own imagination through her guidance. Crawford hopes workshop participants will shake loose their own whimsical sides through creative icebreakers and guided blob paintings.
Through her work with The Arts Council, Crawford’s art encourages people to build connections in their community, with the natural world, and within themselves.
“I hope people will walk in, smile, learn, and leave thinking about how we are connected to our environment and each other.”
"The Whimsical Naturalist” will be on display in the Arts Council’s gallery until Jan. 10. The “Becoming Creative Again” workshop is on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. To register for the workshop or for more information about the Arts Council, visit wearethearts.com. 

(The Hoary Bat, an image by Katie Crawford, is one of the pieces on display at the Arts Council. Image courtesy of the Arts Council)

Each year on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which typically falls during the month of December, adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Although Chanukah may not bear the same religious significance as other Jewish holidays, it is a well-known celebration.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. Although there was not enough oil left to light the Temple for even one night, lamps remained illuminated for eight straight days and nights. Thus Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, which incorporates many unique traditions.
Lighting the menorah
Perhaps the most visible and important Chanukah tradition involves the menorah. While traditional Jewish menorahs have seven branches, the Chanukah menorah, known as the hanukkiah, actually has nine branches. There are eight candles and a ninth, which is called the shamash, is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit each night after sundown.
Giving of gelt
Chanukah gelt is money given as presents during the festival. It is typically offered to children and sometimes to teachers. Other gifts have now largely replaced the coins once offered, and gelt is sometimes chocolate.
Playing dreidel
Greek-Syrians outlawed Jewish studies at one point, so the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were only playing games. Really they were engaged with their scripture. The tradition of spinning the dreidel endures as a Chanukah tradition.
Foods fried in oil
The miracle of the burning oil extends to the foods enjoyed during Chanukah. Many of the holiday foods are prepared in oil, including latkes (fried potatoes) and sufganiyot, which are fried, jelly-filled doughnuts. According to Town & Country magazine, millions of jelly doughnuts are consumed in Israel throughout Chanukah.
Serving brisket
An authentic Chanukah celebration often includes traditional dishes served in the spirit of celebration and gratitude. Brisket is frequently prepared for Chanukah dinners. Brisket was adopted because it was affordable and delicious. Jewish brisket is braised and served with carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Brisket may be served alongside another Chanukah dish, kugel, which is a casserole made from eggs and noodles
Making cookies
Although Christmas cookies may be ubiquitous this time of year, cookies often are part of Chanukah traditions as well. Some cookies are cut to look like dreidels or stars. Those who want to incorporate the miracle of oil into their baking can seek recipes that use oil in place of butter in the cookie batters, something that can make them dairy-free and also vegan.
Chanukah begins on December 25, 2024, and will last through January 2, 2025. It's a festive time to embrace many time-honored traditions.

Long before Santa Claus, caroling, and light-strewn Christmas trees, people in medieval Europe celebrated the Christmas season with 12 full days of feasting and revelry. Christmas in the Middle Ages was preceded by the month-long fast of Advent, during which Christians avoided rich foods and overindulgence.
Once Christmas Day arrived, people were expected to eat, drink, be merry, dress up, play games, and go dancing around the neighborhood for 12 solid days. The degree of Christmas decadence depended on your social status, but the spirit of celebration was universal.
Feasting
Let’s step back in time and discover the lavish and surprising dishes that adorned the tables of medieval Christmas feasts.
Mince pies are one of the oldest traditions from midwinter festivities. They were originally meant as a way to re-use shredded meats from banquet leftovers like goose, chicken, or beef. The pies were filled with fruits and spices, possibly to mask the smell and taste of the slightly off bits of meat.
The addition of meat in the dish was removed in the 1800s, making it much closer to the sweet dessert we know today. Despite the changes over the centuries, mince pies remain a staple of Christmas celebrations.
While having a turkey as the centerpiece of our Christmas dinner is now the norm, this wasn’t the case in the medieval period. But the idea of having a bird as the main course does pre-date our modern-day meal. In medieval celebrations, birds were served at the banqueting table in most wealthy households.
Unlike our roast turkeys, these birds were served to look like they were still alive! The animal was skinned, then roasted, and a replacement skin was sewn back onto the meat. This was done so that the meat looked like it was being served from a living bird. The peacock was considered the most prestigious of these creations because its feathers would bring awe to all the guests present. Smaller households, inspired by the royals, would serve a simple goose.
If you don’t have turkey on Christmas, you might have a large roasted Christmas ham. The tradition of eating pork during the Yule time celebrations goes all the way back to the Middle Ages. Instead of meat from the hind leg, people would dine on the boar’s head!
This tradition is thanks to the Vikings, who would sacrifice a boar to the god Frey during the Yuletide. Frey was known to ride a great gold-bristled boar named Gullinbursti. As Frey was the god of fertility, rain, and sunshine, it was thought that this sacrifice would bring good fortune and a healthy harvest to the people. Eating a boar’s head became even more popular across Europe when it became a popular part of a Christmas carol, the “Boar’s Head Carol.” Eventually, the traditions evolved into what we now know as the roast ham.
Plum pudding, a dish most popular in the UK, has its roots in medieval England. Originally, it was more akin to a porridge, created from beef and mutton mixed with raisins, wine, and spices. Despite its soupy consistency, breadcrumbs were added to provide thickness. This hearty dish was considered a luxury for poor families struggling to find something warm and filling during the Christmas season.
A delightful tradition associated with plum pudding is the hiding of small treasures inside the dessert. These could be silver coins, small crowns, or rings, hidden before baking. The person who finds the treasure in their slice is said to be the King or Queen of the dinner, bringing them good fortune for the coming year. Just be sure to use food-safe materials to continue this charming practice safely!
Wassail, a warm and spiced beverage was a staple at Yuletide festivals. Made from hot mead or mulled cider, it was brought to the tree of worship by pagans, who would pour it over the roots of a great apple tree to ensure a good harvest the following year. This ancient tradition was so integral to the festival that an entire Christmas carol is dedicated to Wassail.
Decorating
Discover the enchanting and symbolic Christmas decorating traditions from the medieval era, revealing the roots of some customs we still cherish today.
During the cold and dark winters, the idea of bringing greenery into your house was a popular medieval tradition. The idea of seeing these green boughs was meant to symbolize life during a season when everything else seemed to be dying. While the outdoors was barren and gray, your home was not.
Even the most impoverished household could go out and collect greenery to decorate the house, so its popularity was wide-ranging. Two of the most popular plants to collect were holly and ivy. Since they had roots in Saturnalia’s pagan festival, the church widely disapproved of this kind of decoration. But the people persisted with it, nonetheless. Holly is one of the oldest good-luck charms used by ancient Celtic druids to ward off evil spirits. It was thought to also protect the home from lightning and was used for good luck.
Mistletoe is another plant that has been used in Christmas celebrations for ages. It was long thought to be used as an ancient cure-all by the druids. People would use it for fertility, to protect their crops, and even to ward off witches. The mistletoe myth of bestowing love upon any couple who kiss beneath it dates to the Norse gods.
The Norse god Balder was thought to have died after being killed with a spear made from the mistletoe. His mother, Frigg, wept upon finding her son dead, and her tears turned into the white berries on the plant. Frigg ensured that whenever a couple met under the mistletoe, she would protect them in a way she could not have saved her son. And instead of becoming known as a deadly plant, it was known as the plant of love. The idea of kissing under the mistletoe comes from England, when servants were allowed to steal a kiss from any woman under the mistletoe, and refusing was seen as bad luck. Another tradition goes that you must kiss once for every berry on the mistletoe and pluck them as you go until all the berries are gone.
In medieval times, druids were known to worship oak trees. This enraged many early Christians, including St. Boniface, who despised their love of the great tree. One day St. Boniface headed out to the great oak and cut it down. When it fell, a fir tree grew up from its roots.
Boniface proclaimed that this fir tree symbolized Christ, as its branches never turned brown, a symbol of Jesus’s eternal life. Being amazed at the sight, many of the druids decided to finally convert to Christianity.
The earliest known decorated Christmas tree was noted in 1419 in Freiburg, Germany. The Baker’s apprentices decorated a tree outside the local hospital with apples, wafers, gingerbread, and tinsel.
They decorated it at Christmastime to bring joy to those suffering inside whenever they looked out their window.
Pagan and Norse people would perform a yearly ritual to appease the god Thor. They would place a log in the hearth, and if the log burned throughout the Yuletide celebrations, this would ensure the sun’s return.
The Yule Log tradition is a testament to the deep connection between medieval societies and their natural surroundings, seeking harmony and balance during the harsh winter months.
Music
Dive into the enchanting world of medieval winter songs and discover the melodies that defined the season.
Medieval winter songs have their roots in the mid-12th to the mid-14th century, where they were closely tied to the French 'carole,' a type of monophonic dance song. These caroles were often accompanied by choreography and were a popular form of entertainment during this period.
In medieval England, the term 'carol' referred to songs with a specific structure, featuring a burden (refrain) and several verses (stanzas). These songs could be about various subjects, including religious themes, the winter season, or social and political issues.
St. Francis of Assisi is often credited with the invention of the Christmas Carol. In 1224, during one of his nativity services, he led the congregation in a song of praise for the baby Jesus. This joyful practice quickly caught on, and the tradition of singing festive tunes during the holiday season began.
St. Francis's influence helped popularize the idea of communal singing during Christmas, laying the foundation for a beloved tradition that continues to this day.
Initially, medieval carols were monophonic, meaning they had only one melody line. This simplicity made them easy to sing and popular among groups.
By the 15th century, carols evolved to become polyphonic, incorporating multiple melodic lines sung or played simultaneously. This added complexity made the music richer and more elaborate, often with each verse set to different music.
The popularity of carols declined during the Reformation, as Christmas customs were suppressed by the Puritans. Many traditional practices, including caroling, fell out of favor during this period.
However, the 19th century saw a revival of interest in medieval carols. This resurgence was part of a broader movement to rediscover and celebrate traditional customs, leading to the reestablishment of caroling as a cherished holiday tradition.

Fayetteville is growing. Downtown is seeing its own growth and revitalization of existing buildings that mark the humble beginnings of the All America City.
The newest addition to the Downtown area is 226 The Warehouse, located in the old Cotton Exchange building located at 226 Donaldson Street. Nestled on a side street right off Hay Street, 226 has a sophisticated atmosphere before you even open the doors. From the sign that hangs above the double, temperance glass doors, to the restored brick and wood inside, the space serves as the perfect backdrop for an array of occasions.
The space boasts a brand-new elevated DJ booth, and 2 fully stocked bars, one serving the downstairs area and one for the upstairs mezzanine and private lounge area. Downstairs is an open-space concept with several luxury private booths for guests to sit and enjoy a more intimate space while still enjoying the festivities.
Keeping some of the essence of the previous long-term tenants, several antique fixtures were kept and incorporated into the new space. The antiques and modern fixtures serve as perfect backdrops for any occasion. The Mezzanine also has a fully stocked bar and custom-made tables and railings, offering cup spaces for those who are standing. Owners Robert Savage and Andre Thomas have been very meticulous in the details they added to the space. Ladies can find purse hangers methodically placed around the space and custom-built cup holders in the upstairs area for standing guests. Every inch of the space has been well thought out and the process from purchasing the building to the ribbon cutting took two years.
Savage, a St. Thomas, Jamaica native, father, husband, and retired CW4 is no stranger to opening and operating a business. He and his wife also own a hair replacement center. When Thomas asked him to walk over to The Cotton Exchange one evening after a drink at the Livery Cigar Emporium, Savage was open to the idea of bringing something different to the downtown area.
“I saw what this place could be, and I saw that we could actually make a change for what is in Fayetteville. The space is 8,000 square feet. I [said] we can make something upscale for Fayetteville. And it took us a very, very long time to get it, a bit over two years to get it where it’s at. My buddy Jose and I did 90 % of the work in here. We didn’t have contractors. We had specialty tradesmen who came in, the electricity and plumbing and so forth. But this was a massive undertaking, so Andre and I, we [held] true to our vision of making something exclusive for Fayetteville,” Savage explained. Co-owner Andre Thomas, a Chicago native and also a retired military member, has always loved a good party, and opening 226 The Warehouse was just a natural progression for him.
“I’ve always liked entertainment. Something like this was just playing into who I [have] always been. I used to do parties at different locations and things of that nature. So it was like hey, how about having somewhere where you can host your own events?” Thomas said.
Keeping the integrity of the building was important to Savage.
“[The] majority of everything that you see in here was already here. If it’s on the wall, it was here before… We didn’t want to do drywall because [the] original structure was wood. We want[ed] to keep the natural color of the wood. For all the stains, we used a light stain,” he said.
All of the design choices and preservation have led to a unique, one-of-a-kind space that is perfect for hosting a variety of events including weddings, receptions, balls, fashion shows, art shows, comedy shows, and of course parties. Through collaborations they have made themselves a one-stop shop, offering access to a range of caterers, decorators, and DJs. It took several years of work to open, and Savage and Thomas are thankful for all who have helped to get them ready.
“There are so many people, that contributed their time and their energy and sacrificed so much for us to get here,” Thomas said.
To book your event or tour the space visit the website at https://www.226thewarehousenc.com/ or send an inquiry via email to 226thewarehouse@gmail.com.

The New Year's Eve Party and Celebration of 2024 is shaping to be an event long remembered in Cumberland County. With doors opening at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, the Gates Four Golf & Country Club and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre will host an event unlike any other. Themed Let Freedom Ring: America Rocks in 2025, this New Year's Eve Party promises an evening of great music, dining, and dancing, blending party and patriotism with a heartfelt appreciation and recognition of American values.
The evening is loaded with fun activities designed to be entertaining and inspiring. Gifts, door prizes, and a Patriotic Attire contest will encourage the partygoers to dress in their most original red, white, and blue outfits to win prizes. It's a party designed to excite and energize the entire community entering the new year. The event is hosted by Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper and Black's Tire Stores. The excitement has been building for weeks, with local sponsors and organizers working to ensure that every detail is perfect.
Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, commented "..the Let Freedom Ring in 2025 event is much more than a party celebrating the new year—it's about celebrating Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the spirit of being a proud American." He adds, "This party is about people coming together locally to launch the new year by celebrating American values and sharing the excitement, enthusiasm, and optimism that 2025 will bring to our community, state, and nation. These principles are what unite us and are worth celebrating.”
Here's what is in store for New Year partygoers:
New Year Revelers will be dancing the night away to the live music of Rivermist, a popular local variety music band based in Fayetteville that has become a regional and statewide favorite for its energetic performances. “Rivermist brings high energy and an unmatched stage presence," Bowman said. "Rivermist connects with their audiences. Their showmanship and audience appeal are what make their performances unforgettable. Their music and participation make this New Year's event so special." Since 2014, Rivermist has been earning accolades for their blend of classic rock, R&B, and original songs. They've been named "best local band" nine years in a row by Up & Coming Weekly newspaper readers. Rivermist has a real knack for creating a party atmosphere and getting people on their feet to dance. Undoubtedly, when RIVERMIST performs, it guarantees everyone will have a good time.
Chefs Brad and Kelly McLawhorn of Two Brothers Catering will have a carving station featuring a delicious spread of their award-winning heavy hors d'oeuvres.
A Patriotic Tribute to our Nation's Armed Forces, Veterans, and Gold Star families will be held. The theme America Rocks in 2025 is woven into every evening aspect, from the patriotic décor to the Armed Forces Tribute and honoring Gold Star families.
“Our soldiers stationed at Ft. Liberty are an integral part of this community," Bowman said. “This tribute is our collective way of saying ‘thank you’ and reminding everyone of their daily sacrifices for our freedoms. Fayetteville has a strong connection to the military, and this event will honor them for their service, sacrifices, and contributions while enjoying an evening of delicious food, great music, fun, and fellowship."
A Midnight Champagne Toast. As midnight approaches, everyone will gather for a Champagne Toast to welcome in 2025. And as Rivermist plays their final set of the evening, guests will enjoy a Mimosa Breakfast with all your favorite early-morning entrees prepared by Two Brothers Catering.
The evening concludes with each guest receiving a special gift from Cape Fear Winery & Distillery as a memento of the evening.
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber joins the event this year as a cosponsor, marking a new chapter for this Gates Four tradition. Chamber President and CEO Nat Robertson expressed excitement about the partnership's significance to the local business community.
"The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and our members are very excited to be cosponsoring Gates Four's New Year's Eve celebration," Robertson said. "This will be the first year that we have offered Chamber members the opportunity to celebrate the new year with each other. It's a great way to foster camaraderie and showcase Fayetteville's vibrant business community."
Everyone—person, business, and organization—involved with producing the Let Freedom Ring in 2025 Party is a Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce member and shares the same principles of pride, honor, and love for our country.
If you go….
With limited seating, Fayetteville residents are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Tickets for the event are selling quickly, with various options. General admission tickets, priced at $140, include dinner, dancing, and access to all activities. VIP tickets, $170, offer reserved seating and additional perks, including complimentary wine, and VIP tables for eight (8) provide reserved seating, a center-stage experience with wine and champagne.
Discounts are available for Groups of eight or more, Seniors 65+, all military members and veterans, and Chamber of Commerce members. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or contact the box office at 910-391-3859. Direct event partnering and sponsorship inquiries bill@upandcomingweekly.com.
A Celebration with Heart
"I want people to leave this New Year's Eve Party feeling inspired and connected," Bowman said. "This event is about celebrating our values, our community, and our shared vision for the America we want to leave for our children's children."
This is a night you won't want to miss. As the community looks forward to the new year, America Rocks in 2025 promises to be a night filled with joy, fun, music, and meaningful connections. Dress in your patriotic best, grab a partner, and prepare for an evening celebrating a revitalized America.

Gates Four and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre support Cumberland County education with proceeds from the evening benefiting the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to promoting literacy in Cumberland County.

(Photo courtesy of Rivermist Facebook)

When Grace Bex faced a particularly challenging first pregnancy, she could hardly have imagined the transition and opportunities it would bring into her life. She gave birth 4 weeks early due to preeclampsia and began navigating the unknowns of postpartum recovery. That was in 2017. Now, she’s on the cusp of opening Fayetteville’s only exclusively female fitness facility.
Bex’s journey began when she started sharing her postpartum weight loss journey on social media. Though she had spent her childhood and college years involved in a variety of sports and power-lifting, her new daughter was changing her perspective. There was a new motivation behind her fitness.
“I wanted to take care of myself,” Bex explained, “for [my daughter].”
She began sharing the details of her postpartum workouts, meal plans, and progress. As followers, friends, and family connected with her story and saw that her choices were working, they began to reach out.
“Friends who were like, hey, can you write down what you're doing so I can do it? I was like, okay, yeah, but you know, I'm not certified.”
As time went on, friends and family encouraged her to pursue certification. Bex eventually became a Certified Personal Trainer through Auburn University’s American College of Sports Medicine. She said her business grew rapidly during the first year and a half. During that time she offered training in her “humble” home gym.
In 2019, Army life dictated changes, and Bex and her husband moved to Germany. Bex didn’t expect personal training would keep her busy during their time there, but spent several months advertising her services ahead of the move anyway. When she settled in Germany, she restarted in their 160-square-foot garage.
“I figured, okay, everybody's going to be paying for traveling and whatever, they're not going to want to pay for personal training,” Bex shared. “By the grace of God, I was wrong.”
Her first three months of offering training in Germany were fully booked.
During her time in Germany, Bex began hosting what has since become one of her most popular events, “Ladies Lift Night.” She describes the event as “a night full of empowerment and ladies getting together who potentially wouldn't cross paths otherwise.” The ladies she brings together hail from a variety of backgrounds such as Cross-Fit and Yoga; backgrounds that Bex says often carry the stigma of not getting along in the fitness world.
“These nights are for everybody to come together,” she explained.
When COVID-19 hit, the German government eventually closed all gyms, and Bex decided to permanently close the 10,000-square-foot facility she had purchased and was operating her business in. At that time, she was expecting again, and she and her husband were preparing for a permanent change of station
back to Fayetteville.
Back in the Fayetteville area, she had no intentions of opening another gym and planned on operating Gracefully Fit out of her commercially equipped home gym until her training waitlist grew beyond what she could support there.
She continued living by the motto she had coined for her business years earlier - “Do one thing today that you didn't do yesterday that will change your tomorrow”- and eventually began to see the need for an exclusive women’s gym in the area.
Having now faced three challenging birth experiences - journeys that she feels have given her the ability to relate to other women around her - she wants to create an environment where women can “feel comfortable and heard and seen and related to and the ways that only women can relate to each other.”
Gracefully Fit is set to open their new facility in a to-be-announced location in the first quarter of 2025. A boutique gym, Bex says they’ll focus on a “well-rounded, wellness approach,” offering classes and training in a variety of modalities such as Pilates, yoga, and barre in addition to regular classes. Other offerings will include an on-site cold plunge, sauna, discounted rates on child care at the facility directly next door, and Connect Groups.
“I’m really big on community,” Bex shared.
She said from the beginning of her journey as a personal trainer, clients have wanted spaces to connect, whether virtually or in person. Connect Groups give clients the chance to connect via book clubs, mom groups, and more according to Bex. She hopes clients will use the groups as a place to “find [their] people.”
Find more information on Gracefully Fit’s training packages and stay up to date with developments at https://begracefullyfit.com/

(Grace Bex will be opening a woman only fitness space in Fayetteville in 2025. Bex hopes the gym will bring ladies of all backgrounds together. Photo courtesy of Grace Bex)

The return of the Marquis de Lafayette to Fayetteville in March 2025 will be held with great fanfare throughout the town. Lafayette came to Fayetteville in 1825, as part of his farewell tour throughout the United States. A Revolutionary War hero who hailed from France, Lafayette only ever visited one town named after him: Ours!
To mark the bicentennial of his tour, the national organization of The American Friends of Lafayette in conjunction with the local Lafayette Society plans to hold lectures, speeches, a ball, and a procession through downtown Fayetteville. The two-day event will be held March 4 and 5. In the meantime, however, the Lafayette Society has been working to garner even more interest within our community.
In September, the Society hosted its 17th Annual Lafayette Birthday Celebration. Events included lectures with authors, a guided trolley tour in downtown Fayetteville with coffee and croissants, and a birthday party.
Last month, the Society held a dance workshop with Charles Steplively, a dance master who led attendees through traditional 1800s dances. More workshops will be scheduled throughout January for those who wish to learn the historical steps before the Lafayette Ball in March.
These events, and others held this year, are all part of the bigger picture: Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the visit of the Marquis to our area. And the Society isn’t stopping there. In an effort to encourage and promote excellence in local creative expression, they are asking members of the community to submit short films celebrating the principles of Lafayette: liberty, human rights, equality, religious tolerance and the abolition of slavery.
The competition is open to current Cumberland County and Fort Liberty residents and students. The video should be under 4 minutes in length and should be a PG-13 rating or lower.
Submissions must be hosted on YouTube, with a direct link provided with the submission form. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 10, 2025. The first place winning video will receive $750, second place will win $300, third place will win $100.
To see the full list of rules and to get a submission form, visit www.lafayettesociety.org/creativity
The winning films will be shown during the Lafayette Society’s annual member luncheon on March 2, 2025. Winning poems from the poetry contest, now closed, will also be read aloud. To become a member of the Society, or to learn more about Lafayette and his enduring legacy on our city, visit www.lafayettesociety.org.

New Year’s Eve marks the end of one year and the beginning of the next. It’s a time to join loved ones and friends for the biggest global celebration of the year. Cities around the world will ignite the sky with fireworks and laser shows. Hundreds, thousands, and millions will watch various objects fall in the countdown to 2025. Cool Springs Downtown District is hosting its fourth annual Night Circus: A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular on Dec. 31 from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Festival Park.
The standard has been set and the party is going down at this year’s celebration. Festival Park will be transformed into an outdoor Night Circus, with amusements for all ages with circus performers, art displays, a kid's section with bounce houses, food trucks, a photo booth, and of course a “libation station” sponsored by Healy Wholesale.
Keeping the party going all night is ringmaster and emcee of the evening radio personality and local community KidsPeace organizer, Dominque Womack. This year’s entertainment lineup will host two of the 90’s greatest Hip-hop groups, Atlanta icons Arrested Development and Philly legends Digable Planets. Hitting the District Vibe Stage fresh off of touring with The Roots, Ashanti Bennett, Director of Special Projects for Cool Spring Downtown District, said, “90s hip-hop and R&B just seems to be one of the eras of music that has universal cross-appeal; when we look out at the crowd we see the full diversity of our community represented. While we [definitely] have ideas for shaking it up in the future, this year we are ready to give a little bit more of a good thing. We work with a couple of booking agents [that we] have developed a great relationship with over the years. I send them a short list of aspirational artists in the genre and we work our way through availability and budget to narrow that list down. We were so excited to be able to book Arrested Development and Digable Planets as they were coming off their successful 2024 tour with The Roots. We anticipate a show that folks will be talking about for some time to come!”
The District Vibe Stage lineup also includes a few local musicians, local DJs, and the Air Born Aerials. Several food trucks will be ready and available to feed the masses including Smokey's Legendary Grill, Big Erv's BBQ, Fry Papi, Carolina Diva Donut, Tropical Concession, The Carnival Cart and Popcorn-Is-Us.
For parents looking to get the little ones back in the house before midnight, there will be a special countdown for the kids.
“We want the whole family to come out to the Night Circus but we know it can be a late night for the little ones. To that end, we hold a children's countdown at 9 p.m. so that everyone can participate in the celebration. We will also have a children's area with games and a bounce house obstacle course,” Bennett said.
At midnight, Fayetteville’s 18-foot star will be lifted into the sky above the District Vibe Stage with the backdrop of illuminating fireworks, a picturesque beginning to the new year.
This year’s celebration has been a labor of love and enthusiasm for Bennett, the person behind some of the best events downtown.
“The Night Circus NYE Spectacular is one of my favorite events that I've worked on. I love to see the joy on people's faces when they come together to celebrate. When we did our first event, we were all coming out of the pandemic and it was so important to get people to gather and carouse and look to the future. So every year, when planning the Night Circus, I try to think about it in terms of joy making,” she said. “As a team, everything that we do is to amplify the spirit of the community that we love with bold vision. I like to think of the Night Circus as Downtown Fayetteville's love letter to our community, and a great example of that commitment. Our team puts a lot of heart into this event.”
“We want to thank our title sponsor, the City of Fayetteville, for bringing this event forward for our community. In addition, we would like to thank our other community sponsors: ABC11, Healy Wholesale, PWC, Metronet, Distinctly Fayetteville, The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, and the North Carolina Arts Council. Lastly, we couldn't pull off this kind of event without a little help from our friends,” said Bennet. “Thank you to everyone who has volunteered with us in the past. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the Night Circus, go to visitdowntownfayetteville.com for the volunteer link, performance schedule, and more. You can also follow Downtown Fayetteville and Cool Spring Downtown District on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on this event and others throughout the year.”

(Photo courtesy of Cool Spring District Facebook page)

On Dec. 5, Fort Liberty leaders named the Family of the Year during a ceremony at the Main Post Chapel. Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator Alice Stephens emceed; she has organized everything behind the scenes for 18 of the event’s 22 years. The 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus performed “God Bless America” and a heartfelt rendition of “Lean On Me.” Chaplain Col. Jay Outen gave the invocation, inviting God to watch over not only the families being honored that evening but all Fort Liberty families. In his final public appearance as Commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty, Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue reiterated that “here at the center of the military universe,” as he referred to Fort Liberty, the Airborne Corps has two jobs: to protect the nation and to take care of its people. These families not only supported its military member, but they were involved with the unit, other military families and the wider community.
Each year, unit leaders on Fort Liberty nominate families from their unit to be considered for Family of the Year. The families put together packets of their involvement with other families in the unit, activities on base and volunteer work in Fayetteville. Board members whittle the pool of families down to 16, all of which are invited to the ceremony. The field is again narrowed to the five top families and one finalist family is selected from the five.
Top honors this year went to:
• Sgt. Maj. Scott Chapman II, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, DIVARTY, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Melinda; children Triston, Giulianna, Keira, Abigail and Elijah
The four remaining top five families in alphabetical order are:
• Chaplain Cpt. Euy Cho, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Eun Sung; children: David and Daniel
• First Sgt. Gregg Kimbell, 127th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Daisy; child Angelina
• Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren, A Co., 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Amanda; children Athena and Ares
• Chaplain Cpt. Andrew Lowe, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 2-319 Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne DIVARTY, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Alexandria; children Dominic and Allen

In addition to a plaque commemorating the Chapmans recognition as the 2024 Fort Liberty Family of the Year, they also received a red poinsettia and a stocking full of snacks. Each family chose a single word to describe the essence of their interactions and motivations. The Chapmans chose “versatile” because they meet the demanding schedules of two careers, five kids, volunteer efforts and deployments. Sgt. Maj. Chapman said of his family, the effort “has only strengthened our bond and love for each other.” The family is involved in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fayetteville, Melinda is a Family Readiness Group advisor and this year the family collected donations to send to our still-suffering neighbors in the western mountains of the state. Their eldest son is a U.S. Army Reserve member.
Following the ceremony, guests moved outside for the Christmas festivities being held at the Main Post Parade Field. The 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus added some cadences and Christmas carols to their evening’s repertoire. Cookies and hot chocolate were available for the kids while food trucks and beer and wine tents served the needs of their parents. The U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, provided swirling, sparkling white Christmas lights as they surfed the air from plane to ground. Santa and Mrs. Clause arrived to the tune of the 82nd Chorus singing “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and the Chapman’s youngest girl flipped the lever that lit the posts’ main Christmas tree.

(Above Photo: Sgt. Maj. Scott Chapman II, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, alongside his wife, Melinda and kids, Keria, Abigale, and Elijah receives the Garrison Family of the Year award during the Family of the Year Ceremony on Fort Liberty, Dec. 5. Sixteen family nominees were recognized by their units for their willingness to sacrifice moments as a family to serve full time while still investing in the community.)

World War II sparked an unprecedented asbestos demand in the U.S. military as affordable materials were highly sought for equipment production. All five branches resorted to durable asbestos products, and it put many service members at risk of asbestos exposure, especially those of the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Today’s growing number of veterans' toxic exposure cases mirror the health risks they assumed aside from the challenges of service.
Asbestos was widely used in most industries, so nobody considered asbestos dust a health threat.
It is why asbestos diseases still are a concern for all veterans who might have asbestos fibers in their lungs, including those in Cumberland County's veteran community and Fayetteville’s veteran population. Because ships needed insulation from bow to stern, the Navy required vast quantities of this fire-resistant material.
Thus, personnel of vessels built before the 1980s were at a very high risk of asbestos exposure. This fact, however, doesn't diminish the exposure risks of military base personnel throughout the state. Toxic contaminants are health and environmental risks on military sites, and exposure to these dangerous substances is a severe issue requiring more attention, investigation, and, in most cases, immediate action after discovery. North Carolina hosts eight active military bases from all the branches except the Navy.
Among them is Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, an infamous case of decades-long unabated contamination. Even if the toxins in the water aren’t related to asbestos, the hazardous mineral insulated facilities throughout the base.
Veterans’ slowly declining health after asbestos exposure
Vets worked and lived near asbestos products while in the military, unaware of these materials' danger. Wear and tear breaks asbestos into microscopic particles that can float in the air for hours. It’s the white dust many veterans remember. Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled or ingested, and their sharp edges cause irreversible damage to organ tissue. Furthermore, asbestos-related diseases produce symptoms only after decades beyond the initial exposure.
While veterans may not have health issues during their service, some of them have to face the effects of asbestos exposure when diagnosed with severe illnesses linked to it, like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Those routinely in contact with asbestos products during service must continuously fight for their health. Many must acknowledge that their disease will shorten their lives, as no existing treatment can reverse the damage done by asbestos fibers. Today’s medical procedures can only slow the evolution, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.
With North Carolina ranking 39th nationwide for the rate of new lung cancer cases and 13th highest in the country for deaths related to asbestos exposure, veterans should protect their health with regular medical examinations. Timely detection is crucial in asbestos-related diseases because it considerably improves treatment results and prolongs life expectancy.
That is why vets should proactively attend periodical check-ups and stay informed by learning their legal rights.
Being open with doctors about military service and potential asbestos exposure is vital in receiving a correct diagnosis. Inhaled asbestos fibers injure the lungs first, so veterans should take chest X-rays or CT scans and pulmonary function (breathing) tests to reveal any damage caused by them. These tests are also reliable tools in diagnosing benign and malignant asbestos conditions.
Veterans who know they’ve served in a contaminated environment or those who suspect they’ve been exposed to asbestos should know their rights and options. Compensation programs and legal avenues are available through asbestos trust funds and Veterans Affairs to help those affected by asbestos exposure, and veterans need to be informed about these resources.
Help for North Carolina veterans and their families through the PACT Act
In 2022, the 117th U.S. Congress enacted the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, known as the PACT Act. The new law delivered improvement in health care and compensations for veterans exposed to toxic sub-stances.
The Act extends eligibility for V.A. health care for retired military members exposed to harmful substances during active duty and aims to provide veterans with the care and benefits they deserve.
Thanks to this new law, approximately 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans are eligible for extended VA benefits. Since the passage of the PACT Act, nearly 6 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure, and more than 1.3 million vets have been approved for expanded benefits.
In North Carolina, approximately 74,000 veterans have filed PACT Act claims, and over 7,000 veterans received expanded benefits. Cumberland County veterans can consult more information by accessing https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/.

Editor's note: Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process. For more information, please visit their webpage at https://www.asbestos-ships.com/

(Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jarrod A. Schad)

This week's contribution is a replay and slightly revised version of my Christmas column which appeared on 12.17.2019, my ode to Fruit Cake. Since A Charlie Brown's Christmas has been kidnapped by Apple, another Christmas tradition lost to the Merchants of Money instead of being shown on free teevee, I thought I would bring back my traditional Fruit Cake column. Christmas traditions are important.
Merry Christmas.
Pitt

Once a year, like the Kraken, a horrible creature arises from the depths of the sea to terrorize those of pure heart and gastric system. I speak of the unspeakable — the fruitcake. Before delving into the origins and misuses of the fruitcake, consider its less toxic cousin — the Kraken. The Kraken was a giant sea monster living near the coast of Norway. It resembled a giant squid. Mr. Science considers the Kraken to be a Cephalopod. The Cephalopod family is even creepier and ookier, mysteriouser and spookier than the Addams family. The Kraken lies on the bottom of the ocean until it sees wooden sailing ships floating above. Like a Phoenix rising from Arizona, the Kraken will suddenly breach the surface of the ocean. It would wrap its tentacles around the ship, pulling it down into Davy Jones’ locker. The hapless sailors would be eaten by the Kraken, like so many apples bobbing in a barrel at an Amish barn dance.
Our old poetry-writing pal Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote a poem about the Kraken in the 19th century. Enjoy your cultural corner of the day, to quote Lord Al: “Below the thunders of the upper deep/ Far, far beneath the abysmal sea/ His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep/ The Kraken sleepeth.” It is best to let sleeping dogs and babies lie. This applies regarding Krakens. If you see a sleeping Kraken, don’t wake him up. If you see a fruitcake, don’t wake it up either.
If you are still reading this stain on world literature, ask yourself: “Self, why are Krakens better than fruitcakes?” Here is the answer: Krakens surface rarely, fruitcakes show up unbidden once a year during the Yuletide season. I would rather be eaten by a Kraken than eat a piece of fruitcake. A fruitcake is the only thing that will survive a nuclear attack other than Keith Richards, Twinkies, and cockroaches. Fruitcake contains unidentifiable ingredients, held together by a concrete-like cake structure denser than a black hole. Neither time nor light can escape from a fruitcake. Once the bilious green chunks of some hideous fruit are captured in a fruitcake, they can never escape. Fruitcakes are indestructible. Paleontologists opine that pyramids existed for millennia due to being constructed of fruitcakes. Fruitcakes are as good the day they were extruded from the factory fruitcake trough as they will be 10,000 years from now. Incidentally, fruitcakes make excellent door stops.
Every year around Christmas, fruitcakes rear their ugly heads. You never see a fruitcake in July. Like the Kraken, fruitcakes lie somewhere on the bottom of the ocean, or in a dusty factory in New Jersey; biding their time, waiting for Christmas. A friend of mine, who shall remain nameless — Bill Drewry — threatened to give me a fruitcake one Christmas. He tried to hand me a fruitcake. The horror. The horror. This “gift” was without a trigger warning. It sent me into a state of fruitcake toxic shock syndrome, thereby generating this column in 2019. The only good thing about fruitcakes is that I don’t have to eat them.
However, seeing them does tend to set off a series of Christmas memories. My mother loved fruitcakes. We had them every Christmas. They would last until Halloween with no change in their complexion or texture. They would lurk at the back of the refrigerator, daring to be eaten. I would rather eat a giant sea worm.
As children at Christmas, we would drive to Washington, D.C., to see my grandparents. This was before the miracle of I-95. It was a 10-hour trip from Fayetteville to D.C. on Highway 301 which was replete with little towns and stop lights. Ten hours in a car at age 8 is a trip from here to eternity. The trip’s highlight was stopping at Stuckey’s, a roadside attraction filled with many wonders. Chicken thermometers, Santa figurines, funny postcards, toy guns in real leather holsters. All the good stuff an 8-year-old boy loves. We would buy orange juice and visit the head.
If I was really lucky, my parents might buy me a valuable trinket. On one trip, I scored a Famous Drinking Bird through massive wheedling. The Famous Drinking Bird had a red head, big red boots, and wore a black top hat. The Bird was filled with a mysterious red liquid, which was probably Kraken blood. By a miracle of physics, if you put the bird next to a glass of water, dipped its beak into said water, the bird would bob up and down for infinity, or at least until the water evaporated. It was bigly wonderful. I took good care of the Drinking Bird. It went to college with me many years later, where it dazzled and amazed countless fellow students.
Gentle readers, I trust you will have an excellent fruitcake-free Christmas. No fruitcakes were harmed during the writing of this column. To quote Tiny Tim: “Merry Christmas and may God bless us, everyone.”

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

On behalf of everyone here at Up & Coming Weekly, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Optimistic New Year! This is my 28th-holiday greeting, and I can genuinely say I am blessed with the best job serving Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents with our community newspaper.
This is going to be the best Christmas and New Year ever. In the past several weeks, everything in our city, state, and nation has seemed to be changing for the better. Pessimism, doom and gloom, and "the sky is falling" attitudes are being replaced with unbridled optimism, patriotic hope, and steller confidence. Our local, state, and national leaders are again starting to aggressively step up and speak out about maintaining and nurturing American values and directing their efforts to "doing the right things for the right reasons."
We are leaving those folks behind who have not bought into this contagious patriotic euphoria.
Locally, it is my prediction that with fresh and enthusiastic leadership now on our Board of County Commissioners we will see quick and efficient progress in dealing with concerning issues. Countywide clean water, overall crime and homicide reduction, education, the looming homeless problem, curbing the drug epidemic, and most importantly, a return to fiscal accountability and responsibility are all on the table.
The new year is coming in hot! Join us at Gates Four this New Year's Eve as we party and celebrate Fayetteville, Cumberland County, our nation, and the freedoms we enjoy exclusively as Americans. We have so much to be thankful for. Let's celebrate!
Again, on behalf of everyone here at Up & Coming Weekly newspaper and Kidsville News! thank you for twenty-eight years of confidence and support. Onward to twenty-nine! Happy New Year!
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Fayetteville Technical Community College’s High School Central Sterile Processing Program aims to bridge the gap between secondary education and the healthcare industry. Students gain the essential skills needed to thrive in one of the most critical areas of healthcare – Central Sterile Processing.
As the demand for highly trained sterile processing professionals continues to grow, FTCC’s program offers a practical solution to build a skilled workforce pipeline. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for sterile processing technicians will continue to grow at an increasing rate.
The High School Central Sterile Processing Program is the first of its kind in our service area. It offers high school seniors in the Cumberland County School District a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a highly specialized field.
Through classroom instruction and practical training, students will learn the intricate processes involved in cleaning, sterilizing, and managing surgical instruments and equipment. The program will allow high school seniors an excellent foundation for those interested in exploring and advancing into other healthcare roles, as the program provides a solid footing in infection control and patient safety. In addition, allowing students to have a stackable credential, such as the certification in sterile processing, instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
High school graduates enter the workforce knowing they have valuable, validated skills they worked hard to attain, achieved personal growth, and obtained a sense of pride in their achievements. More importantly, this confidence can positively impact their academic motivation and self-esteem as they prepare for life after high school.
This innovative program has received enthusiastic support from local hospitals that recognize the importance of training a new generation of healthcare workers to address the current and future workforce gap.
The program is also a vital community resource, strengthening the healthcare system by preparing skilled entry-level professionals. In addition to gaining job-ready skills, students are also able to save on college tuition costs through the dual-enrollment structure established between FTCC and Cumberland County Schools. This format offers significant financial advantages for both families and students, which allows students to earn college credits for free or at a reduced rate while still in high school.
As the department chair for this program, I can share with potential students that this program is a game-changer for high school seniors.
It opens doors for dual enrollment, allowing seniors to earn high school and college credits before graduation and thereby save themselves and their parents significant dollars in achieving a college degree. The bottom line is our graduates gain real-world experiences, a professional certification, and complete a pathway into a growing and high-demand, good-paying career.
Students interested in enrolling in the program are encouraged to contact FTCC’s Department of Surgical Services or Student Services.
As the program continues to grow, it is expected to serve as a role model for other communities that are looking to address the healthcare workforce shortages through innovative educational initiatives.
These initiatives exemplify how education and industry collaboration can open the doors for unlimited possibilities for young professionals while strengthening the healthcare system. I invite you to reach out at herringt@faytechcc.edu or contact an admissions counselor who specializes in assisting students interested in healthcare programs of study at healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for family connection, full of opportunities to create lasting memories. However, it can also bring stress and emotional challenges. This December, we’re focusing on ways to strengthen family engagement and well-being, helping families enjoy special moments together while prioritizing mental health.
Family Time: Simple, Fun Ways to Connect
Family bonding doesn’t have to be complex. Simple activities can create the most cherished memories. Storytime is one way to connect, especially with younger children. Gather around with a favorite holiday book and take turns reading aloud, letting everyone savor the magic of storytelling.
Looking for more ways to keep kids engaged over the holiday break? Here are ten ideas that combine fun and family connection:
1. Holiday Crafting: Create holiday-themed crafts or homemade gifts.
2. Baking Together: Cooking as a family is fun and teaches kids new skills.
3. Volunteer as a Family: Serving together, like donating toys or helping at a shelter, teaches kids the value of giving.
4. Family Movie Night: Pick a favorite holiday film and have a cozy night.
5. Nature Walks: Fresh air and exercise make for refreshing outings.
6. Holiday Scrapbook: Capture memories of holiday moments in a family scrapbook.
7. Board Games and Puzzles: Turn off screens for some classic game time.
8. DIY Decorations: Let kids make decorations, from paper snowflakes to garlands.
9. Visit Local Holiday Events: Parades, light displays and markets make for festive outings.
10. Write Letters to Loved Ones: Sending cards or letters brings joy to both sender and receiver.
These activities build togetherness while fostering creativity, empathy and active engagement.
Staying Mindful of Mental Health
While the holidays are a joyful time, they can also bring unique pressures.
With additional activities and higher expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take time to check in with yourself and others, remembering that not everyone may feel festive. Setting boundaries, taking breaks and asking for help are all part of healthy holiday self-care.
Whether spending quality time with family or seeking mental health support, the holidays are a time for kindness toward ourselves and others.
This year, let’s prioritize joyful memories, nurturing connections and a balanced approach to holiday activities and well-being. A season filled with love, understanding and support is truly the best gift we can share.

Traditions are a major component of the holiday season. No matter which holiday individuals celebrate, chances are they cherish certain traditions that make the season more special.
Kwanzaa celebrants know that tradition figures prominently in this week-long celebration of African American culture that begins each year on Dec. 26.
Kwanzaa was created more than half a century ago, and in the years since its creation in 1966 many traditions have been become part and parcel of celebrants' holiday seasons. The following are a handful of Kwanzaa traditions that can make celebrations more special.
• Lighting the kinara: Candles feature prominently in both religious and secular holiday season celebrations, and Kwanzaa is no exception. The kinara is a special candleholder with three red, three green and one black candle, and each night during Kwanzaa celebrants light a new candle.
The African American Cultural Center-Los Angeles notes that candles are lit beginning with the black candle, which is at the center of kinara. Candles are then lit in alternate left and right, lighting inward to outward.
• Discussion: The Nguzo Saba are the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Each principle is named after a Swahili word that expresses a particular concept, including unity (umoja), purpose (nia) and creativity (kuumba). After lighting the kinara each night, families discuss the principle of Kwanzaa that correlates to the candle they lit that night.
For example, the black candle that is lit on the first night of Kwanzaa represents unity, so families will discuss that principle after lighting the candle.
• Family meal: Feasting with family is a holiday tradition in many households, including those that celebrate Kwanzaa. The Karamu Ya Imani ('Feast of Faith') typically takes place on the sixth day of Kwanzaa (Dec. 31).
Traditional African cuisine is typically prepared for the meal, and each person present may take a turn drinking from the Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup). Some celebrations of the Karamu Ya Imani are community-wide events that extend beyond immediate family members.
• Gift exchange: Exchanging handmade gifts known as "zawadi" is another Kwanzaa tradition. Gifts are typically reserved for children, though adults may exchange presents as well. The gift exchange typically occurs on the final day of the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa.
These are just a handful of Kwanzaa traditions that can make the celebration of African American culture more meaningful this holiday season.

Every part of the country has its unique cuisine, snacks, local delicacies and favorites. The West Coast is known for its unique and sometimes quirky take on American classics, and its large Hispanic population has made it the taco capital of America. The Midwest boasts a bounty of hearty and flavorful favorites, including bratwurst, deep-dish pizzas, and Kansas City-style Barbeque. The South’s contributions amass in calories and flavors, bringing its variations of barbeque, rich casseroles, and pies of all assortments. The North brings thin-crust pizza, bagels (made with NYC water), cheesesteaks, and water ice.
One of the best things about living in Fayetteville is its diverse population, with some of these favorites in the city for all to enjoy. Wisdom Waterice is a locally owned father-daughter-run business delivering the classic Philly snack to the area. Water Ice is the regional variation of Italian ice, with a slightly different consistency. While the unrefined taste palettes of those not born in the area, one would think they were the same, but water ice is distinctively Philadelphia and natives will kindly let you know.
Owner and Philadelphia native, Christopher Irvin, explains, “Water ice is a great fun flavorful treat for the spring and summertime. We grew up eating water ice in Philadelphia where it originated. Water ice is made with three key components, water, sugar, and flavoring.”
Bringing the cold, portable snack to the city has been a successful venture for the businessman, who originally started the business to build something with his daughter that could be passed on for generations. Water ice has been well received in Fayetteville. Wisdom Waterice can be found at just about every major event in the area. This past season saw them at several Festival Park events and the Cumberland County Fair. Just look for the trailer with the brightly colored cute cartoon version of Irvin’s daughter, Wisdom, to secure a cup of the cool treat.
“Now that water ice [is] served here in Fayetteville, we look to continuously season after season supply, serve, and deliver quality, Philadelphia water ice, in every scoop and serve. If anyone is looking to purchase or stop by Wisdom Waterice we post our locations daily on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To book Wisdom Waterice you can email us at WisdomWaterice@gmail.com for your event or party. We want the community to know that when they are looking for the ‘real cool down’ as we say, ‘The cold down starts here,’ and a fun treat the whole family can enjoy together,” Irvin said.
Irvin is grateful for the community's outpouring of support and thankful for those who have helped him in this venture, saying, “I want to absolutely thank God for putting this business venture in my life, showing me the vision and the ways to serve this community. I also want to thank LaTonya my partner and Julie my other partner for trusting and believing that water ice would do well here and be accepted here as well as my daughter Wisdom. She’s been the face of this business and as her father, I hope and pray that when I’m long gone, she will continue to serve Wisdom water ice, and bless her for life. The one thing I’ve learned along this journey is that if the people love your product, love your service, you’ll always have faithful and continuous customers.”

(Photo courtesy of Wisdom Waterice Facebook page)

The holiday season has a magical way of transforming certain films into Christmas classics, even if they don’t exactly fit the traditional mold. Sure, we all know It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol, but what about those films that simply take place during Christmas and have become beloved seasonal favorites over time? Let’s dive into some of the great, unexpected holiday classics that we can’t help but return to every December.

Die Hard (1988)
The eternal debate: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? According to legions of fans, the answer is a resounding yes! This action-packed thriller starring Bruce Willis as NYPD cop John McClane unfolds on Christmas Eve, with McClane battling terrorists in a Los Angeles high-rise. Sure, it’s not about the spirit of giving, but with its festive setting, Christmas music, and memorable quips ("Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.”), Die Hard is a holiday staple for those who crave something edgier with their yuletide cheer.

Gremlins (1984)
If you want to add a little horror-comedy to your Christmas movie marathon, Gremlins is a perfect pick. Set in a small town during Christmas, this film tells the story of a young man who receives an adorable, mysterious creature called Gizmo as a pet. But when Gizmo’s mischievous offspring wreak havoc on the town, the holiday season takes a wild turn. With Christmas carols, lights, and a snowy setting, Gremlins is a quirky, sometimes dark holiday treat that blends laughs with scares.

Love Actually (2003)
One of the most beloved modern Christmas movies, Love Actually follows multiple intertwining stories of love, heartbreak, and connection, all set during the festive lead-up to Christmas. With an all-star cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, and Liam Neeson, the film captures both the joy and melancholy of the holiday season. Whether it’s Grant dancing to “Jump (For My Love)” or the bittersweet moments between Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman’s characters, Love Actually has earned its place as a go-to holiday romance.

Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton’s dark, gothic take on Gotham City makes an unexpected holiday backdrop in Batman Returns. Set during the Christmas season, with its snow-covered streets, giant trees, and festive decorations, this superhero film adds a moody twist to holiday films. The action, combined with standout performances by Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito, makes it a unique alternative to the usual holiday fare. After all, nothing says Christmas quite like a superhero saving the day under the mistletoe.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Tim Burton’s whimsical fantasy Edward Scissorhands is set against a suburban Christmas backdrop, combining holiday cheer with themes of love and acceptance. The film tells the story of Edward, an artificial man with scissors for hands, who struggles to fit into society. With its enchanting visuals, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a memorable Christmas scene that captures both the magic and isolation of the season, Edward Scissorhands has become a favorite holiday film for many.

The Family Stone (2005)
A heartfelt dramedy, The Family Stone is a warm yet poignant look at the holiday season through the eyes of a close-knit but chaotic family. When Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) brings his uptight girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) home to meet his family, tensions flare as she clashes with his free-spirited relatives. With a brilliant ensemble cast including Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson, and Rachel McAdams, the film mixes laughter with tears as the Stone family navigates their own joys and challenges over the holidays.

Black Christmas (1974)
For those who enjoy a good fright during the holiday season, the original Black Christmas delivers a chilling narrative that has become a cult classic. Set in a sorority house during Christmas break, a group of women finds themselves being stalked by a mysterious killer. While it’s a far cry from the feel-good holiday movies, its unsettling atmosphere and seasonal setting make it a unique addition to the Christmas movie lineup for fans of horror.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
This classic musical features a memorable Christmas segment that has enchanted audiences for generations. Set in the early 1900s, Meet Me in St. Louis follows the lives of the Smith family as they navigate love and family dynamics leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair. The iconic song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," sung by Judy Garland, has cemented this film’s place in the holiday canon, making it a timeless reminder of family, nostalgia, and the magic of Christmas.

The Apartment (1960)
Billy Wilder’s classic romantic comedy-drama The Apartment is set during the holiday season and explores themes of loneliness, love, and moral dilemmas. Starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, it tells the story of an office worker who lets his bosses use his apartment for their extramarital affairs, only to fall for one of the mistresses. I The film’s melancholy tone, Christmas parties, and New Year’s Eve conclusion make it a poignant choice for the holiday season.

Lethal Weapon (1987)
The first Lethal Weapon introduces us to the now-iconic duo of Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover), who find themselves navigating a high-stakes case during Christmas. The film may be an action thriller, but with a backdrop of holiday decorations and a few choice Christmas tunes, Lethal Weapon has earned its status as an unconventional holiday favorite. The festive season plays nicely against the grit and intensity of the plot, making it an exciting addition to any December movie marathon.
As we dive into the heart of the holiday season, these films remind us that Christmas movies don’t always have to be about Santa Claus, reindeer, or even family gatherings. Sometimes, the backdrop of Christmas—whether it’s in the form of twinkling lights, festive chaos, or a few well-placed holiday tunes—can elevate a movie to seasonal classic status. So, if you’re looking for something a little offbeat this year, these films are worth revisiting, not just for their stories, but for the way they capture the magic of the season in unexpected ways.