Almanac By Ashley Walshe

ALMANAC December

By ashley walshe

December is a frosted window, a singing kettle, the busying of hands. Beyond the glass, the breath of winter settles upon the still earth like a blanket of glittering lace. The garden withers. The air grows bitter. The cold sucks the life from the glistening landscape.

Yet, for a few precious hours, the wild ones stir.

As the sun thaws the silvery earth, critters emerge from their hideaways.

Birds flit from feeder to swinging feeder.

Deer feast on turkey tail mushrooms; paw for acorns; chomp on chicory and sunchoke roots.

Mice sniff out seeds. Rabbits munch on winter buds. Hawks watch from the naked trees above.

Inside, time is measured by cups of tea — earthy, dark and sweet. The fire crackles. The kettle sings. Quiet hands ache to make things: Sourdough loaves studded with walnuts and dried figs. Gingersnap cookies thick with blackstrap molasses. Stovetop potpourri swirling with pine, orange and warming spices. Winter wreaths woven with wild grape and honeysuckle vines. Beyond the window, night comes early. The air grows frosty. Critters disappear with the dwindling light. You stoke the fire, tend the kettle, nurture an ancient knowing growing wilder in your winter bones.

Long Nights Moon

The Cold Moon rises on Thursday, Dec. 8. Also called the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule, this month’s full and luminous wonder will share the limelight with a bright and strikingly visible Mars. With the Red Planet at opposition (meaning the Earth is positioned between it and the sun), Mars will appear brighter than all the stars. Speaking of lustrous marvels, the Geminids meteor shower will peak on Dec. 13 and 14, illuminating the night sky with up to 120 meteors per hour. As its name suggests, this celestial pageant will emanate from the constellation Gemini, but here’s a hint: Just look up. The final meteor shower of 2022 happens in tandem with the winter solstice on Dec. 21 — the longest night of the year. Although it’s hardly as eventful as the aforementioned Geminids, a dark sky makes conditions favorable for the Ursids, a minor shower that peaks with up to 10 meteors per hour. May your nights be merry and bright. And your New Year, full of light.

Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift. — Mary Oliver

Where the Sunchokes Shine

’Tis the season for Jerusalem artichokes, which are not, in fact, from The Holy City. Nor are they artichokes. These tasty tubers, also known as sunroots, sunchokes, wild sunflowers and earth apples, were first cultivated by indigenous peoples. When Italian settlers discovered this yellow-flowering plant, they dubbed it girasole, the Italian word for sunflower. The blossoms do look a bit like sunflowers, but they are actually more like daisies. Anyway, “girasole” became “Jerusalem” over time. You know how it goes.

Assuming the ground isn’t frozen, the tubers can be harvested all winter. Then what?

Scrub them, slice them and toss them with oil and spices.

Roast them until tender. Sauté them with garlic. Pan-fry them with butter and sage. You’ll figure it out.

A root by any other name would taste as savory and sweet. OH

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BEFORE

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AFTER

Although conscientious efforts are made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, all events are subject to change and errors can occur! Please verify times, costs, status and location before attending an event. December 2022

Weekly Events

MONDAYS

TOTAL BODY DANCE. 7–8 p.m. An adult fitness program consisting of cardio dance routines. Free. Lewis Recreation Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive, Greensboro. Info: greensboro-nc.gov (click on “events”).

WEDNESDAYS

GREENSBORO CHESS CLUB. 6–9 p.m. Enjoy chess on a social and competitive level. Free. Lewis Recreation Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive, Greensboro. Info: greensboro-nc.gov (click on “events”). WINE WEDNESDAY. 5–8 p.m. Sip wine, munch on pizza and enjoy the soothing sounds of live jazz music. Free. Double Oaks, 204 N. Mendenhall St. Greensboro. Info: double-oaks.com/wine-wednesday.

THURSDAYS

JAZZ AT THE O.HENRY. 6–9 p.m. Sip vintage craft cocktails and snack on tapas while the O.Henry Trio performs with a different jazz vocalist each week. Free. O.Henry Hotel Social Lobby, 624 Green Valley Road, Greensboro. Info: ohenryhotel.com/o-henry-jazz. CYCLING CLUB. 6–8:30 p.m. Cyclists meet up for an easy downtown ride. Free. LeBauer Park, 208 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Info: greensborodowntownparks.org/calendar.

12.03.22

Holiday Parade

12.02.22

Festival of Lights

December Events

01–31

PEPPERMINT ALLEY. Any time. Stroll through a selfie-lover’s candy cane dream for festive photo ops. Free. Alley adjacent to Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 120 W. Lewis St., Greensboro. Info: downtowngreensboro. org/downtown-in-december. WINDOW SHOPPING. Times vary. Stroll downtown while checking out holiday window displays of participating businesses. Vote for your favorite. Free. Downtown Greensboro. Info: downtowngreensboro.org/downtown-in-december. 01–24, 26–31

CREATE-A-CARD. Drop in during library hours to make a card for a neighbor, veteran, shut-in or loved one. Free. Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St., Greensboro. Info: greensboro-nc.gov (click on “events”).

01–23, 26–31

WINTER WONDERLIGHTS. 5:30–10 p.m. Greensboro Science Center’s holiday light display opens for the season. Tickets: $16+; under 3, free. Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. Info: greensboroscience.org/winterwonderlights.

01–23

MERRY MADNESS PASSPORT. Times vary. Spend a minimum of $25 at a

participating downtown business and upload your receipt for a chance to win a weekly drawing of $500 for you and for the business you supported. Downtown Greensboro. Info: downtowngreensboro. org/downtown-in-december. VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Discover holiday traditions of the mid-19th century at the fully decorated Blandwood Mansion. Runs through Jan. 4. Closed on Mondays. Admission: $7+; students, free. Blandwood Museum, 447 W. Washington St., Greensboro. Info: preservationgreensboro.org/event/ early-victorian-christmas-at-blandwood-6.

01–05, 07–12, 14–24, 26–31

PIEDMONT WINTERFEST. Times vary. Glide, twirl or stumble your way across the ice rink with friends and family at its new location. Tickets: $12. LeBauer Park, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Info: piedmontwinterfest.com.

01–04

DISNEY ON ICE. Times vary. Elsa, Anna, Mirabel and the family Madrigal glide through a Frozen- and Encantothemed adventure on ice. Tickets: $20+. Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. Info: greensborocoliseum.com/events.

02

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. 5:30–9 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment and food vendor treats as you await the community tree lighting scheduled for 6:56 p.m. Center City Park, 200 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: downtowngreensboro.org/ downtown-in-december.

WRAPPED IN BRASS. 7:30 p.m. The North Carolina Brass Band plays hits of the holidays. Tickets: $5+. UNCG Auditorium, 408 Tate St., Greensboro. Info: ncbrassband.org.

02–31

TINSEL TOWN. Times vary. Stroll through trees decorated by local organizations and vote for your favorite. Greensboro Cultural Center. Free. 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Info: downtowngreensboro.org/downtown-in-december.

03, 10, 17, 31

BLACKSMITH DEMO. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. All ages are welcome to watch a costumed blacksmith crafting with iron. Free. Historical Park at High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., High Point. Info: highpointmuseum.org.

03–04

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET. Times vary. The Dance Center of Greensboro presents its telling of the classic holiday story. Tickets: $22. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point. Info: highpointtheatre.com/events.

03 & 17

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT. 5–9 p.m. Costumed guides lead visitors through a Victorian Christmas evening, complete with decorations, carols and poems. Körner’s Folly, 413 S. Main St., Kernersville. Info: kornersfolly.org/visit/event-calendar.

03

HOLIDAY PARADE. Noon–2 p.m. A parade of holiday and character balloons floats through Downtown Greensboro. Free. Church, Market and Greene streets, Greensboro. Info: downtowngreensboro. org/downtown-in-december. NIGHT BEFORE. 4 p.m. Bel Canto Company and special guest Greensboro Youth Chorus perform together, featuring a charming retelling of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Free. Van Dyke Performance Space at the Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Info: belcantocompany.com. RED RIBBON DAY. 2–5 p.m. Step to the Ribbon during Triad Health Project’s advocacy walk and explore resources and stigma surrounding access to healthcare. Registration: $15+. LeBauer Park, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Info: triadhealthproject.org. 03–04, 10–11, 17–18

SEAGROVE OPEN HOUSE. Visit various Seagrove area potters to shop and enjoy special events during the three weekends leading up to Christmas. Free. Seagrove area. Info: discoverseagrove.com/events-all.

03–22, 26–31

WINTER SHOW. GreenHill Center for NC Art’s annual Winter Show returns featuring North Carolina artists’ works for purchase and viewing. Tickets: Dec. 3 Collector’s Choice opening gala, $75+; Dec. 4 on, free. Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Info: greenhillnc.org/winter-show-2022.

03

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL. 9 a.m. Enjoy the classic holiday film with popcorn, soft drink, singalong and Santa photo opps. Free. Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro. Info: carolinatheatre.com/events. OPUS. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Greensboro Concert band performs the final fall Opus concert. Free, donations accepted. Gail Brower Huggins Performance Center at Greensboro College, 815 W. Market St., Greensboro. Info: creativegreensboro.com.

04, 10–11, 17–18, 23

SANTA AT THE BILTMORE. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Bring your camera for photo ops with Santa. Free. The Biltmore Greensboro, 111 W. Washington St., Greensboro. Info: downtowngreensboro.org/ downtown-in-december.

04

MADE 4 THE HOLIDAYS. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Shop a juried marketplace of local artisans. Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville St., Greensboro. Info: facebook.com/gsofarmersmkt. CHRISTKINDLMARKT. Noon–5 p.m. Stroll through local vendors while sipping brews in the biergarten. Lager Haus at Red Oak Brewery, 6901 Konica Dr., Whitsett. Info: redoakbrewery.com/ calendar-of-events.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE. 1–4 p.m. Celebrate the 50th Annual Holiday Open House with music, cookies, demonstrations and Santa. Free. High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., High Point. Info: highpointmuseum.org.

06–11 08–11, 15–18

TUNES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Times vary. Triad Stage singers perform a family-friendly concert of holiday classics and Broadway show tunes. Tickets: $15+. Triad Stage, 232 S. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: triadstage.org.

JAGGED LITTLE PILL. Times Vary. The songs of Alanis Morissette are brought to life in a stage musical. Tickets: $33+. Steven Tanger Center, 300 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: tangercenter.com/events.

07

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON. 11 a.m. The Greensboro Newcomers Club hosts its annual luncheon to collect Toys for Tots donations. Tickets: $28+. Starmount Country Club, 1 Sam Snead Drive, #6087, Greensboro. Info: greensboronewcomersclub.com/events-1. 08

JINJER. 7 p.m. The Ukrainian metalcore band performs with P.O.D, Vended, Space of Variations and Malevolence. Tickets: $35+. Piedmont Hall at Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. Info: greensborocoliseum.com/events.

09–11, 14–18

NUTCRACKER. Times vary. UNCSA students dance the classic holiday ballet. Tickets: $40+. Stevens Center, 405 Fourth St. NW, Winston-Salem. Info: uncsa.edu/performances/index.aspx. Business & Services

09–11, 15–18

A LOCAL CAROL. New York Times bestselling author and Winston-Salem native Charlie Lovett premieres his stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Tickets: $11+. Reynolds Place, 251 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem. Info: ltofws.org.

09–11, 16–18.

RUDOLPH JR. Times vary. A family-friendly production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. prances onto stage. Tickets: $15+. Community Theatre of Greensboro, 520 S. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: ctgso.org.

09–11

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL. Times vary. High Point Community Theatre presents a musical retelling of the Charles Dickens holiday classic. Tickets: $22+. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point. Info: highpointtheatre.com/events.

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10–11, 16–18

NUTCRACKER. Times vary. The Greensboro Ballet presents its annual production of the classic holiday ballet. Tickets: $15+. Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro. Info: carolinatheatre.com/events.

10 & 12

GLAD TIDINGS. 7:30 p.m. The Choral Arts Collective featuring three local choirs brings glad tidings through song. Tickets: $5+. First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Ave. Info: belcantocompany.com.

10

JINGLE JOG. 1 p.m. Run in the inaugural 5K or shorter fun run through Downtown Greensboro. Start at 117 W. Lewis St., Greensboro. Info: runsignup.com/Race/ NC/Greensboro/DowntownJingleJog5K. RUNNING OF THE BALLS. 6 p.m. “The Greatest 5K(ish) in the History of the World” runs or walks through the glittering neighborhood of Sunset Hills. Registration: $26+. Start at the intersection of Rolling Road and the Sunset Hills Greenway, Greensboro. Info: therunningoftheballs.com. SANTACON BAR CRAWL. 3–9 p.m. Dress in a festive costume or ugly sweater to bar hop through downtown. Tickets $20+. Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 120 W. Lewis St., Greensboro. Info: tickettailor.com/ events/otisandwawa/737410. LOW AND LOWER. 8 p.m. The fun-loving musical duo play holiday tunes on their cello and double bass. Tickets: $15+. Watson Hall, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. Info: uncsa.edu/performances/index.aspx. CANDLE DIPPING. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to drop in to learn the antiquated art of candle dipping. Free. Historical Park at High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., High Point. Info: highpointmuseum.org.

December 11

FOR KING & COUNTRY. 7 p.m. Grammy-winning Christian pop duo For King & Country performs Christmas classics plus new songs. Tickets: $25.99+. Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. Info: greensborocoliseum.com/events. CHORAL CONCERT. 4 p.m. Triad Pride Men’s and Women’s Choruses are Making Spirits Bright with a repertoire of holiday tunes. Tickets: $10+. Congregational Church, 400 W. Radiance Dr., Greensboro. Info: triadprideperformingarts.org.

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12–15, 19–23

HOLIDAY MOVIES. Times vary. From classics including Holiday Affair and It’s a Wonderful Life to not-so-old hits such as Elf and Die Hard, enjoy an array of holiday films. Tickets: $7. Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro. Info: carolinatheatre.com/events.

13

BÉLA FLECK. 7:30 p.m. The renowned American banjo player is joined by The Punch Brothers for a night of Bluegrass. Tickets: $40.50+. Steven Tanger Center, 300 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: tangercenter.com/events. JULIAN LAGE TRIO. 7:30 p.m. The talented guitarist performs with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King. Tickets: $15+. Watson Hall, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. Info: uncsa.edu/performances/index.aspx. LIZA ROBERTS. 5:30 p.m. North Carolina Author Liza Roberts discusses her forthcoming book, Art of the State, with Greensboro native and landscape artist John Beerman. Free. GreenHill Center for NC Art, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Info: greenhillnc.org.

14

HIP HOP NUTCRACKER. 7:30 p.m. This mashup musical blends modern hip hop with classic Tchaikovsky remixed. Tickets: $35+. Steven Tanger Center, 300 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: tangercenter.com/events.

16

HOLIDAY SYMPHONY. 7:30 p.m. The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra plays holiday hits, plus Santa makes a special appearance. Tickets: Free with donation of nonperishable food items to benefit the Salvation Army. Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. Info: greensborosymphony.org/event. PHOTONA. 7:30 p.m. UNCSA design and production lighting students present their 20th annual mesmerizing multimedia show. Free. Freedman Theatre, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. Info: uncsa. edu/performances/index.aspx.

16–18

HIGH POINT BALLET. Times vary. Enjoy The Nutcracker or the designedfor-kids version, The Land of the Sweets. Tickets: $25+. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point. Info: highpointtheatre.com/events.

17–26

HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT. Run or walk a 5- or 10-mile route during Runnerdude’s Oh Snap 2022 scavenger hunt anytime throughout the week. Registration: $20+. Start at Center City Park, 200 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: runnerdudesfitness.com.

17

PENTATONIX. 7:30 p.m. The a cappella group sings songs of the season during A Christmas Spectacular. Tickets: $25+. Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. Info: greensborocoliseum.com/events. JAZZ QUARTET. 7:30 p.m. Chad Eby and Ariel Pocock are joined by Steve Haines and Brevan Hampden for a night of bold and whimsical jazz with some seasonal favorites. Tickets: $15. Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro. Info: carolinatheatre.com/events. HEATHER MCMAHAN. 8 p.m. Comedian and Love Hard costar Heather McMahan delivers a night of laughs in The Comeback Tour. Tickets: $42.75+. Steven Tanger Center, 300 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: tangercenter.com/events. SCOTTISH FAIRE. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free. Dress in costume and learn how to traditionally prepare for the Scottish New Year’s Eve, aka Hogmanay. Free. Historical Park at High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., High Point. Info: highpointmuseum.org.

18

HANUKAH CELEBRATION. 3–4 p.m. Celebrate the start of Hannukah with a story reading, crafts and other familyfriendly activities. Free. Kathleen Clay Edwards Branch Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro. Info: greensboro-nc.gov (click on “events”).

28

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT. 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with a cold beverage and a dazzling array of wrestling stars. Tickets: $20+. Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. Info: greensborocoliseum.com/events. 31

THE KRÜGER BROTHERS. 8 p.m. Spend New Year’s Eve with the Greensboro Symphony and this traditional Appalachian-American trio. Tickets: $35+. Steven Tanger Center, 300 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Info: tangercenter.com/events. MAKE SOME NOISE. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. All ages are welcome to drop in and make a New Year’s Eve noisemaker. Free. Little Red Schoolhouse at High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., High Point. Info: highpointmuseum.org. OH

To submit an event for consideration, email us at ohenrymagcalendar@gmail.com by the first of the month ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE EVENT.

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STYLE

We’ve lined up 12 of the most wonderful businesses for this most wonderful time of the year. When planning your holiday shopping, please remember to Buy Local!

Family owned and operated since 1980, we pride ourselves on the quality and craftsmanship of the brands we carry and lenses we produce. With a wide range of independent designers and popular brands, there is a style for everyone’s budget and taste. With this combo the world will SEE you, and you will SEE the world in a whole new way!

1PERFECT PAIR

2GIFTS OF LOVE

Threads Boutique has fashions for you and gifts for all the ladies on your list! This Boutique is a must visit for your holiday shopping! Their customers are young and the young at heart. They have Threads for the classic American beauty and those looking for something uniquely on trend. Stop by and fill out your wish list for Santa. They will make sure your favorites are under the tree on Christmas morning!

boutique

Remembering and living the spirit of the holiday season is one of the great joys in a home full of love. The Chesnutt-Tisdale Team is grateful to serve the Greensboro community for over 40 years helping make dreams of a beautiful home come true. From Kay and Xan, Happy Holidays!

3KEYS-AJINGLING

4FESTIVE SANTAS

Let The Extra Ingredient help you create an unforgettable holiday table with Four Festive Santas from Vietri’s Old St. Nick pattern. Made of high fired, glazed terra bianca earthenware, the dinner plate is hand-painted in Italy and features Old St. Nick in several unique designs: Red Hat; Green Hat; Animal Hat or Striped Hat, all featuring Babbo Natale (that’s “Santa Claus” in Italian). Add to your collection with everything from platters, bowls and mugs, to ramekins, spoon rests and ornaments. Shop in our store or online at www.extraingredient.com.

LOCATED IN FRIENDLY CENTER | 336.299.9767 | EXTRAINGREDIENT.COM

Generations of Piedmont Triad families have trusted Schiffman’s Jewelers to help celebrate life’s special moments. Schiffman’s takes great pride in its long-standing partnerships with the finest jewelry, watch and giftware brands in the world. We treasure being part of your celebrations and welcome the opportunity to assist you in selecting the perfect gift to honor those who bring special meaning to your life.

5SHINY RINGS

6ZOO MEMBERSHIPS

A membership to the North Carolina Zoo is a gift that keeps on giving! Miles of trails on 500 developed acres in Asheboro connect you to 1,700 animals in natural setting habitats. Members get free admission to the Zoo, plus free or half-price admission to over 100 reciprocal zoos, aquariums, and science centers. Discounts on camps and behind the scene tours, private member areas and event access add more value to a truly thoughtful gift. Help support the Zoo’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places – gift a membership today!

With antique treasures from humble to grand and gifts galore, come and enjoy a one of a kind shopping experience at Boxwood Antique Market.

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Warmest Regards, Joey & Jana, Owners of Boxwood Antique Market

7ANTIQUE TREASURES

520 NORTH HAMILTON STREET, HIGH POINT, NC 27262 336-781-3111 Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-6, Sun 1-6

8SWEET TREATS

On the eighth day of Christmas, who wouldn’t want their true love to give them eight sweet Christmas treats from Easy Peasy? Enjoy the holiday season and let us do your baking. Whether it’s cake, cookies, or a specially designed dessert, we’ll make life sweeter. Mix and match the treats you like best. Life can be hard but desserts should be Easy Peasy.

Need Gift Ideas? Look No Further! It’s that time of year to give the presents you know they’ll love. Whether it’s for her or him, nothing says I care more than a gift card to Restoration MedSpa. As our gift to you this season, for every gift card purchase of $250 or more, we will give you an additional $25 gift card. For gift card purchases of $1,000 or more, we will give you an additional $100 gift card. Call today to reserve your gifts.

9GIFT CARDS GIVING

10SHADOWS GLISTENING

Make Holiday Magic. An enchanted season of rose, rubies and the looks that sparkle as bright as holiday stars.

This is the season for bright lights and shiny packages. It is a time for sharing love and being together with the 10 days of Christmas at Merle Norman.

Deka Lash is a beauty company on a mission to help you uncover the most confident and empowered version of yourself through customized lash and brow services, high-end products, and an elevated experience each and every time you walk through our doors. We offer lash extension and brow lamination services, memberships and products – made just for you. Each of our lash looks and brow lamination are fully customizable. From natural to full glam, to wispy and cat-eye, the look is all yours!

11 LOVELY LASHES

12 TRIPS AWAITING

Billy Summers and his team specialize in cruises, tours, destination weddings and honeymoons, all-inclusive resorts and business travel. As certified specialists with all major cruise lines, tour companies, and resorts, they can arrange trips for special interest groups, and are a Disney Authorized Travel Agent. Trade Winds Travel is also a certified Autism Travel Agency. Trade Winds Travel provides professional travel services at no cost to you, as their payment comes from the suppliers. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; yours is calling Trade Winds Travel to plan your next adventure.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Lacie Lucas, Bill Norman

GreenScene

The Women’s Resource Center Men Can Cook

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Photographs by CC Kallam

Michelle Bondurant, Leslie Welch, Tina Swain Bryson Nicoletta Low Key

Ron Johnson

Todd & Azuree Dalton Breyona Williams

Victoria Morgan, Debbie Jones, Pam Collings

According to the Womenʼs Resource Center of Greensboro, the recipe for success is you, the supportive community. This yearʼs Men Can Cook event raised over $100,000 for the organizationʼs programs and services. Chefʼs kiss!

John Davis, Shawn McCarthy

Aaron Mason, Chris Wainscott

Ciera & Valerie Watkins

Shannon Smith, Holly Carr

Tazza Mitchell, Jessica Griffin

GreenScene

Tanger Center’s Pretty Woman Opening Night

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Photographs by CC Kallam

Sarah Gilmore, Beatrice Bennett

Debbie Gibson, Carrie Council, David Wrenn, Cindi Shelton, Kathi Wrenn, & Mary Ashley Shelton Jennifer & Brad Norton

Maghan Taylor, Tracy Samsel

Jodie Barlow, Donna Gates

Charles Forbes & Katherine Forbes Dr. Kathy & Dr. Hector Cooper Cathy Fergus, Elaine Hamilton

Cocoa, Trent Sutherland

Adelaide Shaw, Ayden Judd, Will Wakefield, Cameron Hanley

GreenScene

JDRF One Walk 2022

Triad Park Saturday, October 29, 2022

Photographs by Lynn Donovan

Wyse Family — Team Priss Robb Mothershed, President JDRF Piedmont Board Queen Shenna Lasenburg — Miss Regal Elegance NC

Allen Family — Cure for Connor Hoyle Family & Friends — Ally’s Army Kimora Johnson

Hollingsworth Family — Team Hollingsworth Heroes Eric Campbell, Christina Campbell Furr Family & Friends — Hadley’s Herd

Brian Basham, Travis Marshall, Phil Ford Woodring Family & Friends — Team Whit Man’s Fans Van Denton, Phil Ford, Neill McNeill

Robin Arnold, Nancy Teal

Angie Scott Black, Brittany Cheek, Denise Nixon

Beverly Moody, Grace-Anne Rhoads

GreenScene

O.Henry Author Series

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Photographs by CC Kallam

Taylor Dale

Cassie Bustamante, Kristy Woodson Harvey

Faye Jolley, Gwyn Chappell

Kerri Person, Mary Mciver Lisa Stahlman, Anne Cain

Dreaming of a White Dog Christmas

Learning a lesson in holiday expectations

By Cassie Bustamante

I’ve heard it said that the key to happiness is to lower your expectations. No one knows that better than a parent who has carefully plotted a Big Christmas Surprise.

Christmas morning of 1988, dressed in my ruffled flannel nightgown, I bounded down the stairs, making a sharp left turn into the living room, where our tree glistened with presents underneath. And there, like a beacon of light, I spied the gift I’d wanted with my whole 10-year-old heart.

My mother stood behind me, her permed curls askew from sleep and her excitement about the brand new 10-speed Santa had delivered written on her face. I ran towards the bike and quickly snatched Fievel, the squishy, behatted, floppy-eared mouse from An American Tail, off the seat and swung him in my arms with a squeal. I hadn’t even noticed the bike.

Now, as a mother of three, I fully understand the disappointment my parents must have felt, anxiously awaiting my thrill over the “big gift” they’d saved up to purchase, only to have it trumped by a seemingly silly object. Because it’s happened to me.

As all life-changing events in our household, it began with a conversation with my husband, Chris.

“This might be the last Christmas Emmy believes!” I insisted. “Just picture how magical it will be when she comes down the stairs to see a puppy of her own under the tree.”

“But we already have two dogs,” he reminded me.

“Well, what’s one more?”

It’s rare that Chris tells me no, especially when it comes to his only daughter.

A couple of months later, I crawled out of bed at 4:45 a.m. on Christmas morning to sneak away to a friend’s house a half hour away, where, as a favor to me, she was fostering the rescue I’d chosen for Emmy. The puppy was mostly white, a calico miniature schnoodle — a “designer” cross between a miniature schnauzer and a miniature poodle, a really prized breed. However, because this fancy little mutt was born deaf, the breeder had rejected her. As I raced home to beat the kiddos’ inevitably early wakeup, the curly-eared pup snuggled in my lap, blissfully unaware of the stress — and utter excitement — I was feeling. With about 10 minutes to spare, I made it. We set the puppy’s small carrier in the living room next to our tree and put her inside while we anxiously awaited the pitter-patter of footsteps from above. Meanwhile, the puppy had found her voice, sounding the rise-and-shine alarm throughout the house.

Soon enough, Emmy’s face appeared in the doorway as I beamed, hands clasped at my heart. It was finally here: the moment I’d been picturing for months!

“A sled!” She shrieked, dashing to the tree where the cheapest orange plastic saucer Walmart sold sat. “Santa got me the sled I wanted!!!”

Despite the high-pitched yelps and commotion, she hadn’t noticed the puppy.

The moment wasn’t at all what I’d imagined. While I was initially disappointed, perhaps in the end we got something better. Just like my own parents, we now have a story we retell — and laugh about — each Christmas as a reminder that the kids will be happy, no matter how big or small the gifts. And we, as parents, will, in fact, discover that holiday magic if we just let go of our expectations.

As for Snowball, the fluffy white pup, she just turned 7, and our family’s love for her has long outlasted that traffic-cone orange sled. And while she can’t hear it, the bell still rings for the rest of us, as it does for all who truly believe in Christmas magic. OH

Cassie Bustamante is managing editor of O.Henry magazine.