Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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In the spirit of the season, we’re pleased to share these heartwarming letters from Santa’s youngest fans.
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Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Dear Santa, How are you, your wife, the elves, and the reindeer? Have you been staying warm this year? This is my Christmas list. I would like a crystal growing kit, a Star Belly Dream Light, and a magical flying pixie. Thank you! We’ll bake some cookies for you on Christmas night. Love, Emma Age 5
Dear Santa, Please remember it is Jesus’ birthday on Christmas. Santa, please let everyone have a good Christmas. Please, please, please let me be on the good list. I would like a Gotta Go Flamingo and a real-life unicorn. Thank you for sending Bebe, our elf, to us. I love you. Love, Bailey Age 4
Dear Santa, Will you please get me a present? I want a bat cave and a car. Love, Tanner Age 4 Dear Santa, I would like rainbow jammies, a dog, Barbies, a rainbow kitty, and a Barbie playhouse. Love, Teaghan Age 4 Dear Santa, I have been a good boy this year. For Christmas, I would like a new Lightning McQueen car, a small Mac trailer, a new Woody doll, and a blue bike. Merry Christmas! Love, Declan Age 3 Dear Santa, I have been a good little boy this year. I would like it if you could bring me a handsaw so I can cut trees like my daddy. I would also like a big gun so I can go hunting in my Papa Mike’s woods. I will make sure to leave milk and cookies for you and carrots for your reindeer. Merry Christmas, Santa, and I love you! Love, Bryson Age 4 Dear Santa, How are you? I’ve been good. I would like a gocart and an RC car. I love you. Love, Jace Watson Age 7 Dear Santa, I want a hoverboard for Christmas. Thank you for all of the presents for Christmas. Love, Tristan Hanks Age 6 Dear Santa, My name is Amelia and I am 2 years old. This year I have been very naughty, so Mommy says I’m lucky I’m cute. For Christmas, please bring me a baby doll, bacon, juice, and diapers—wait, I hate diapers! Maybe a potty would be a good idea! Love, Amelia Age 2 Dear Santa, All I want is for you to come to my house. Allie Holt Age 9
Dear Santa, I want a purple toy car, a snowman ornament, a doll and I want Mama Josie, the Kangaroo. I want to get a toy and I like the Bounce About. Love, Aubrey Age 5 Dear Santa, Thank you, Santa, for all the gifts you gave me last year. I want make-up, a purple tablet, Barbie’s, books, crafts, a laptop, Game Boy, perfume, a pet tiger, a pet lion, a pet monkey and a pet bear. Skylar Owen Age 7 Dear Santa, My name is Abigail Claybrook. I have been very good this year. What I would like most for Christmas is the Animal Crossing game, Bee Simulator game, and Mario Party game for my Nintendo Switch. A new sea turtle ornament, two surprise toys, and an American Girl baby boy with a polka dot shirt. If your elves are not too busy, can I also have a scruff a luv family? I can’t think of anything else, so more surprises would be good. Thank you, Santa, and Merry Christmas! Love, Abigail Age 9 Dear Santa, I would love a Bakugan, a lizard toy and a real lizard this year. I also want to build a snowman! Love, Soul Hankins-Simmons Age 6 Dear Santa, Can I please have a 1. new binder 2. ice cream cart 3. socks 4. harnesses 5. Hatchimals 6. Shopkins 7. My Life doll accessories 8. One front tooth 9. $1,000 10. For my family to be happy! Thank you, Mikayla Danielle Clark Age 8 Dear Santa, You bring a lot of presents to people and a lot of new toys and video games to kids like me. Sometimes you bring new books, toys, games and movies. Grady Hawes Miller Age 9
It’s Christmas!
Dear Santa, This year I will give and receive. What I want is a pair of turquoise roller skates. Then I want my own umbrella with my name on it. I would like my sister to have her own umbrella with her name on it. Then I want my brother to have a skateboard that is glow in the dark green. I would like to give my mom a mug that says, “Best Mom Ever”. Then I want to get my father a fishing pole. Christmas is the best time of the year and my favorite holiday! Piper Toombs Age 9 Dear Santa, Here’s my list for Christmas: 1. Kinetic Sand 2. Toy Horse 3. Toy Phone 4. Swing 5. Toy Baby 6. Clothes 7. Make-up Chloe Tucker Age 7 Dear Santa, I love you and your elves. Todd Clark Age 9 Dear Santa, I would like to have a 1. Mermaid necklace 2. Camping Legos 3. Drawing Robot 4. Pajama set with robe, slippers and gown 5. Lego Treehouse 6. Camping Barbie doll 7. Mulan Barbie doll with extra outfit 8. 8. Barbie doll with babies 9. Elsa and Anna Barbie dol 10. Fire Lizard toy 11. Twisty Pets 12. Mermaid Tail 13. iPod 14. Fact Animal Book 15. Unicorn toy 16. Nintendo Switch 17. Nintendo Switch games 18. Go Glam 19. Hollywood Hair Studio 20. Scribble Scrabble Safari Set 21. Barbie Color Reveal 22. Barbie Ultimate Curls Ryleigh Metts Age 8 Dear Santa, I want Pikmi Pops, Legos, jeans, long sleeve shirts, Play Doh!!, Slime!!!!!! and candy. Ellie E. Gilley Age 9
Dear Santa, I want a new ball and building playset. I love you, Santa. Dalton Brown Age 4 Dear Santa, I have been good. I want Super Mario 3D All Stars, Super Mario 3D Galaxy, and Super Mario Kart 10. I want the Super Mario Galaxy that you can make come to life and race. I want anything that is Super Mario builder and Super Mario Capers, the new one. Carter Miller Age 6 Dear Santa, I would like a slime kit, a Nerf gun, and a toy racecar. Michael W. Gaines, Jr. Age 6 Dear Santa, I love you. Please give me something special. I kind of miss you, Santa. Love, Ethan Hall Age 5 Dear Santa, I want a Minnie Mouse kitchen and for Nana to get better. Olivia Webster Age 5 Dear Santa, I would like a bike and My Little Pony make-up. Love, Adalyn Hamby Age 5 Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. I want Slime. Love, Rylen Brown Age 5 Dear Santa, I love you! I’m in Kindergarten. I have been a good boy this year. My dogs have been good, too, but sometimes they go in the road. Please tell Rudolph hi. Sometimes we see your deer in the fields and sometimes when they go in the road. Bye Bye, Santa! Love, Lyrik Elder Age 5 Dear Santa, I would like a kitchen set, live pet turtle, make-up, vanity table, Barbie and a stroller. Thank you Santa. I love you! Kirstyn McCormick Age 7
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Dear Santa, 1. Shopkins 2. Bike 3. 4-Wheeler Dailynn Guill Age 7 Dear Santa, I would like a Doc McStuffins playset, a baby doll set with a stroller and crib, and a Barbie doll. Also, I want a Mr. Potato Head and an Elsa doll head. Thank you, Santa. A’Riyah Jones Age 4 Dear Santa, I would like to have snow wheels. I would like a sled that would hook up to my 4-wheeler. I would like to eat one of your cookies. Cody Dixon Age 8 Dear Santa, I would want for Christmas: LOLs, Barbie, Slime, iPad, hover board and slippers. The End Abrie Scruggs Age 8 Dear Santa, I would like a hunting call that will call in all kinds of animals, an extra remote for my PlayStation 4 and a new hunting game. Carter Clowdis Age 8 Dear Santa, I want a bike. Gunner Howard Age 7 Dear Santa, For Christmas, can I have a Big Steve, a Lego Minecraft set, a Minecraft sword, a Bendy set, Minecraft building set, a drum set, a Minecraft Creeper Plush, more Minecraft characters with a dragon, a Battle bus from Fortnight and a Halo Nerf gun? Jaxon Simmons Age 9 Dear Santa, I would like a lot of Legos to build a ginormous house. I would also like a new four-wheeler in case our others get old. Just those two. Thank you. Wyatt Scruggs Age 4 Dear Santa, I miss you. I would like a four-wheeler, power saw and a TV. Also, can you bring my sister, Sydney, a big four-wheeler too. Please tell the reindeer hi. Love, Noah Scruggs Age 4
Dear Santa, I want to see you Santa and I hope you give me a lot of presents and a lot of toys. I will give you some cookies and milk. Kal-El Givens Age 9 Dear Santa, For Christmas, I want a smart phone, LOL Surprise House, Barbie Spa Day Playset and a typewriter. Thank you, Santa. Avery Overstreet Age 7 Dear Santa, I want a 4-wheeler, a dog and a bike. Salim Robindolph Age 7 Dear Santa, I will like a typewriter and a Cowboy’s helmet and a Cowboy’s jersey and a Cowboy’s mouthpiece, and a Cowboy’s toy of a helmet, a laptop and an iPhone. Lonnie Morton Age 7 Dear Santa, I want a rainbow big truck and doggie toys for Oliver. I’ve been good this year. Bring a coloring book to Mom and Dad. Me and Maddox have been nice. I love Santa! Keeton Reeves Age 4 Dear Santa, I would like some new books because I like to read. Reading is good for my brain! Aaliyah Yuille Age 9 Dear Santa, I want cry baby, Barbie omg. I have been good. Ava Walton Age 5 Dear Santa, I want a baby doll with green eyes and brown hair, a Polaroid camera, a LOL Dream House, a puppy that is white and brown, shoes for playing and going to church, a book bag, a baby doll that comes with a room, a baby doll dog and a school play set. Sarah-Beth Shepherd Age 8 Dear Santa, I want a new grill, a car and a Spiderman game. Keith Jones Age 7 Dear Santa, I want a Skye Toy and a Bluey Toy. Kamri Robinson Age 6
Dear Santa, I want a bike. I want a frigerator. I want a remote control drone. I want a tv. I want a new water bottle. Bran Bradley Age 7 Dear Santa, Santa, I love you when you make children happy. And I love when you give me presents too. I love when you come to my house and put presents under my Christmas tree. Ethan Bray Age 7 Dear Santa, I love you, Santa. I wish I could meet you, Santa. I want a toy baby and a toy dog. From: Ainsley Driskill Age 7 Dear Santa, I have been good this week. I want a hover board and crocs. I want a four-wheeler and I want a bus. I want a bike and I want a ring. I want a pool and I want a kite. I want a cat. From: Javonte’ Gaines Age 9 Dear Santa, I want a puppy please. One that I can have in my home. And an OMG doll and a four wheeler and some outfits and shoes and something for my mom. I will get for my mom, a puppy. From: Breanna Bryant to Santa Age 8 Dear Santa, I hope it is going good in the North Pole. I would like for Christmas a bike, tablet, computer, baby dolls and baby doll clothes. I believe in you Santa. Love you! Believe me, I have been good. Haley Wilmouth Age 8 Dear Santa, I have been good this year. I have a new sister. Please bring her lots of toys. I love iPhones and anything to do with JoJo. Bring Mom and Dad something also. Lily Pillow Age 6 Dear Santa, I love you a lot I miss my elf to I love your reindeer. I can not wate to see my elf I miss her and you alot. I love miss calse to. I can not wate for Chrismis. Darcie Rose Sopok Age 7
Dear Santa, I would like a Barbie doll and a Paw Patrol toy. Bye, Haven Robinson Age 6 Dear Santa, I would like a pair of cowboy boots and a phone and cowboy stuff. Marshall Davis Age 7 Dear Santa, Can I get some slime, remote control cars, cartoon movies and Nerf guns? Ta’lynn Heath Age 9
Dear Santa, My name is Emory Evans. I would like a real motorcycle for Christmas. Also, bring my little sister a real unicorn and bring my baby brother, Jacob, a big motorcycle like me. Also, bring my big sister, Delilah, a four-wheeler, so we can all ride together. Bring my daddy a Nerf gun and me a matching one. Emory Evans Age 5
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Dear Santa, I hope you did not get COVID 19. If you did I will have to see you next year. I want a MyLife Doll, outfit & bed for her. Can you please bring my big brother Jay a gun. I wish you could bring my Nanny everything cancer made her lose this year. Thank you for all my presents last year. Jamie Bolick Age 6
Dear Santa, I will like roller skates and a red pillow. I would like a doll that pops out. I like make-up. I would like a new water bottle. I would like a pretend dog and cat. Reece Toombs Age 7 Dear Santa, I really want a new shiny fishing rod to fish with my mom and her dad when it’s sunny and a biggish cat plush to sleep and play with a lot with my mommy and her daddy, From Carly Long Age 7 Dear Santa, I want a baby dollhouse. I want a scooter, a ball and a bike. I want a pool and a trampoline. I want a soft blanket and a tablet. From Paieteen Long Age 7 Dear Santa, I would like makeup, a sloth toy, Legos, power wheels, unicorn, elephant toy that moves, radio, kitchen set with food and pots and pans. I love you Santa. Hope Renee Evans Age 6 Dear Santa, I want boxing gloves and a hug from you. Love, Gavin Hall Age 6 Dear Santa, I would really love a PP bike, a new bed, and a tablet, a baby doll thank you. Love you. Jolveah Clark Age 6 Dear Santa, I want a Barbie Doll House with some Barbie dolls and a puppy. Love, Destiny Petty Age 7
In these challenging times, we pray for the safety and health of our community. Stay safe! May your holiday be filled with an abundance of happiness and good fortune!
Lunenburg County Commissioner of tfle Revenue Liz, Amy, and Leah
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Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Dear Santa, Lane here! I hope all is good in the pole. I’ve been a good boy this year. But, I promise to be good for the rest of the year! So, I would like a trampoline, transformers, and some Toy Story things. My sissy, Harper, has also been a really good baby. She would like a Lego table, baby doll, and stuffed puppy. Thank you for all of your hard work! Lane Cook Age 5
Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs. Clause? For Christmas I would like Jo Jo toy, Ryan toy, Jo Jo shirt, Jo Jo pants, Jo Jo shoes, a big My Life doll, a fake dog, a fake bunny, a fake turtle, a game, an electric scooter, and a Baby Alive doll that grows. I also want a coloring book, pink, purple, and blue slime. a luvabella doll, I also want a claw machine for my doll, kitchen set for my doll and that is it. Love, Barbara Faith Perkins Age 8
Dear Santa, I would love for you to bring me a Frozen Dollhouse, a nail polish set for my nails, some play makeup that you put on your cheeks. My dollstroller is broke so I would like a new one. I would also like a pink scooter with flowers on it. I will try to be a good girl and will leave some milk and cookies. Love Zoey. Zoey McSpadden Age 4 Dear Santa, I have been good this year. I want a omg super surprise. I also want kitty k and dazzle omg doll. And I also want a regular doll and omg clothes. Love, Elaina Elaina Walker Age 8 Dear Santa, I have been a good boy. I do listen, even though I don’t always “hear”! I want Sonic the Hedgehog game and an X-Box please!!! I love you. Dominic Parrish Age 5
Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. I hope you and your reindeer are doing well. Please bring me 5 surprises season 2. I would also like a Barbie camper and flying fairy. Love, September Tharpe September Tharpe Age 7 Dear Santa, My name is Emory Evans I would like a real motorcycle for Christmas. Also bring my little sister a real unicorn and bring my baby brother Jacob a big motorcycle like me. Also bring my big sister Delilah a four wheeler. So we can all ride together. Oh and bring my daddy a nerf gun and me a matching one. Emory Evans Age 5 Dear Santa, Please bring me a 4-wheeler and American girl dolls. Love Sophie Lyle. Sophie Lyle Age 9
Dear Santa, My name is Riley Wyatt Roberts. I’m 4 years old. This Christmas I want Bippe toys, Bendy character, bass pro shop toys and a switch to play games. And Kali my little sister, wants a baby doll. Please and thank you! Riley Wyatt Roberts Age 4 Dear Santa, I hope you are doing good. I want a real bow & arrow, a bike, John Deere Service truck and a John Deere gift card. Take care and see you soon. McKinley Dear Santa, I want a nintendo switch, a barbie farm set, and LOL surprise super surprise and don’t forget my brother he needs a tv. P.S. Will you bring me games-minecraft, animal crossings new horizons, the lol game, and mario builder for my nintendo switch. AnneMarie Age 8
Dear Santa, Hope you are doing well. This is my first Christmas and I am so excited. I am 9 months old so far and enjoy getting into things. Please bring me a walk behind toy, clothes, food (I love to eat), baby toys and books. See you soon. Dear Santa, Please bring me small godzilla toys shark toys and dinosaur toys. I have tried to be good! Love Will Lyle. Will Lyle Age 6 Dear Santa, I would like a my life ballerina doll, I would also like a my dog walker doll with dog, duck boots, boxy girl, boxy girl accessories package, luvabella doll, my life doll with hair dresser kit, decorations for my room, laser gun set, and an electric scooter. Thank you for reading my letter. Love, Perley Grace Perkins Age 11
The origins of Christmas caroling
The festive nature of the holiday season makes it an ideal time to sing, especially in groups. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that caroling, a tradition that dates back many centuries, ultimately collided with Christmas. Caroling and Christmas caroling are two different things. According to History.org, the origins of modern Christmas caroling can be traced to wassailing, a term that has evolved for more than a millenium. What started as a simple greeting gradually became part of a toast
made during ritualized drinking. Time magazine notes that the word “wassail,” which appeared in English literature as early as the eighth century, eventually came to mean the wishing of good fortune on one’s neighbors, though no one can say for certain when this particular development occurred. During medieval times, farmers in certain parts of Britain would drink a beverage to toast the health of their crops and encourage the fertility of their animals. By 1600,
farmers in some parts of Britain were still engaging in this ritual, and some were by now taking a wassail bowl filled with a toasting beverage around the streets. These wassailers would stop by neighboring homes and offer a warm drink, all the while wishing good fortune on their neighbors. During this period, wassailing had nothing to do with Christmas, but that began to change in Victorian England, when Christmas became more commercialized and popular. It was during this time
when publishers began circulating carols, forever linking the tradition of wassailing with Christmas. Christmas caroling as Victorian Englanders knew it might have fallen by the wayside. But while carolers may no longer go door-todoor singing Christmas songs and wishing their neighbors good fortune, those intent on seeing the modern manifestation of this tradition that dates back more than a millenium may be able to find some carolers at their local mall or church.
‘Deck the Halls’
It’s hard to hear “Deck the Halls” and not immediately be overcome by the festive nature of the holiday season. The lyrics to “Deck the Halls” were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862, and the song many people know today is a traditional Christmas carol. However, the Welsh melody that is part of the song can be traced to the 16th century and a song called “Nos Galan.” That song is not about Christmas, but rather New Year’s Eve. “Deck the Halls” Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Troul the ancient Christmas carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la. See the flowing bowl before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I sing of beauty’s treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses! Fa la la la la, la la la la. Laughing, quaffing all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la. English lyrics written by Thomas Oliphant Lyrics courtesy of Digital Music News
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
One of the most instantly recognizable holiday songs also boasts one of the most unique histories of any Christmas carol. The exact origins and author of “The 12 Days of Christ-
‘The 12 Days of Christmas’
mas” are unknown, but according to the Catholic News Agency, the song was written for Catholic children in England sometime after 1558. Between 1558 and 1829, Catholics in England
were forbidden to practice their faith openly. The song “The 12 Days of Christmas” was used to teach Catholic children living under such restrictions about their faith. As a result, the song is filled with hidden meaning, even if modern celebrants largely sing it to express their festive moods and not necessarily their respective faiths.
sent to me Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
“The 12 Days of Christmas”
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me Five golden rings Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree On the third day of Christmas my true love
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying Five golden rings Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming Six geese a-laying Five golden rings Four calling birds
Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking Seven swans a-swimming Six geese a-laying Five golden rings Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing Eight maids a-milking Seven swans a-swimming Six geese a-laying Five golden rings Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree On the 10th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 10 lords a-leaping Nine ladies dancing Eight maids a-milking Seven swans a-swimming Six geese a-laying Five golden rings
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Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree On the 11th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 11 pipers piping 10 lords a-leaping Nine ladies dancing Eight maids a-milking Seven swans a-swimming Six geese a-laying Five golden rings Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree On the 12th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 12 drummers drumming 11 pipers piping 10 lords a-leaping Nine ladies dancing Eight maids a-milking Seven swans a-swimming Six geese a-laying Five golden rings Four calling birds Three french hens Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree Lyrics courtesy of Genius.com.
‘O Christmas Tree’
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
“O Christmas Tree” is a wildly popular holiday song. In fact, the song is so popular that there are many different versions, each of which is based
on a traditional German folk song. That song, “O Tannenbaum,” is centuries old and has nothing to do with Christmas.
The halls are decked, the lists are checked; Christmas is here, bringing good cheer. There’s just one thing we’ve left to do: Send our very best wishes to each one of you!
SP JONES AND SON FUNERAL HOME 208 N Broad St, Kenbridge, VA 23944 (434) 676-8059
Thanks to our customers and neighbors all around town for your friendship and support. We wish you and yours all the best at Christmastime and in the New Year. Happy Holidays! P.O. Box 40 Victoria, VA 23974 434-696-5550
Alexa, Andy, Betty, Buckie, Crystal, Debbie, Jackie, Jeff, Regina, Roger, Staci and Titus
“O Christmas Tree”
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Thy leaves are so unchanging O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Thy leaves are so unchanging Not only green when summer’s here But also when it’s cold and drear O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Thy leaves are so unchanging O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Such pleasure do you bring me O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Such pleasure do you bring me For every year this Christmas tree Brings to us such joy and glee O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Such pleasure do you bring me O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You’ll ever be unchanging A symbol of goodwill and love You’ll ever be unchanging Each shining light, each silver bell No one alive spreads cheer so well O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You’ll ever be unchanging Lyrics courtesy of Genius.com