December 2013

December 2, 2013 Letters from the Editor No comments

Beau, the editor’s cat, wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and reminds you to e-mail photos of your pets for the January Pet Issue!

Merry Christmas! While some folks have said it’s too early for holiday music, I have to admit I’ve been playing it since mid-November. There’s just something about Sinatra’s “Silent Night,” Elvis’ “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and even Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song” that easily puts one in a good mood. While it can be obnoxious to hear Christmas music in big-box stores the day after Halloween, it never hurts to play something jolly while stuck in traffic. And, yes, Kris and I were already snacking on candy cane-flavored Hershey’s Kisses during production of this edition.

I say the beauty of the season is not just in Christmas day, but in being reminded of the wonderful spirit it brings us months in advance. While we could all stand to have a little more Christmas cheer year-round, the pleasure of the holiday is all in the anticipation of celebrating with our friends and families.

One event I’m looking forward to being a part of is the Christmas by the Sea parade on Oak Island on Saturday, December 7th. You can read more about the jubilant procession and other island holiday events on here. While you’re at it, explore the calendar for Winterfest, Southport’s week-long celebration, here.

If you’re looking to plan a holiday get-together, contributor Amber Lanier, an event stylist, has just the story for you. She reveals how to plan a great oyster roast in our new column, Soirée. Readers can expect Amber’s pieces to run periodically.

Beau Walker of Silver Coast Winery tells how to mull wine at home and shares tips for selecting the perfect New Year’s Eve Champagne for your taste. For the busy bees, our Health column shares a list of steps to survive the holidays without stressing out.

When I write you again in 2014, we’ll be presenting our second annual Pet Issue, where we’ll feature local pet photos and animal info. You can send us large, hi-resolution images of your furry, scaly or feathered friends to SouthportPets@yahoo.com. Please include their name(s), breed(s), and the town you live in. We can’t wait to see them!