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How about starting out the new year with a resolution that you may actually keep for longer than a week – and enjoy. Here goes – resolve to pause a minute each day to pay attention to nature around you. One minute, that is it! And if you think that is too short a time, try it and you will realize just how much you can see and hear in 60 seconds.

I would imagine that quite a few Mississippians have already dismantled the Christmas tree and put away all the lights and ornaments until the holiday season of 2025.

Not long after the last Christmas gift is unwrapped, people will turn their attention to the upcoming New Year. The start of a new year signifies a fresh beginning, providing an opportunity to reflect on the past and make a conscious effort to live a better quality of life. This calendar swap motivates people to pursue goals with a “fresh start.” 

Thanksgiving has passed, and we are officially in the Christmas season. With Christmas being next week, there are many events occurring throughout the state to celebrate this holiday. Whether you enjoy going out to enjoy the holiday season amongst others or if you prefer spending it alone, there are plenty of activities to participate in that will get you in the Christmas spirit. 

Christmas movies provide us with the break we need from the season’s business, often with a comforting storyline and predictable happy ending. Families across Mississippi and the country are invited to experience Steal The Naughty List this holiday season. This charming stop-motion Christmas film blends adventure, humor, and heartwarming messages in a unique story about the real Saint Nicholas. The best part is that it was homegrown and filmed in Mississippi. 

Redbirds, also known as northern cardinals, are often seen in backyards throughout Mississippi and many other states this time of year. They’re also known as the “Christmas bird” and appear on holiday cards, ornaments, and decor throughout the holiday season.

The Chevron Pascagoula Refinery partnered with DonorsChoose to gift every certified teacher in the Moss Point School District $150 in DonorsChoose funding for classroom supplies and projects. The gift is a token of appreciation for all that teachers do to impact students’ lives. Chevron recognizes their dedication and commitment to education and the role they play in shaping our community’s future leaders.
 

We may not think of plants when we think about Christmas time; however, there are many plants that thrive in the winter months. In addition to the beloved, quintessential marker of Christmas— the Christmas tree— there are several varieties of plants to choose from.

Community members often want to make a difference but feel they need more means to do so. The Children’s Promise Act Tax Credit allows anyone to change lives without changing their budget. Passed by the legislature and signed by the governor in 2019, it provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to Community Care Network – a qualified Eligible Transitional Home Organization (ETHO).  

Christmas with the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, one of the holiday season’s most festive and enjoyable events, will take place this Saturday, December 14, at the Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center.  

For many, trains prompt a sentimental feeling easily associated with the Holiday Season. Christmas is when many families travel long distances to reach loved ones, and before automobiles or planes, most would journey home via train. Even after the advent of air travel, the tradition of using toy trains around the Christmas tree symbolized the journey and connection associated with holiday travel long ago. Today, trains still evoke nostalgic feelings for many people and wonder for children. 

Based in West Jackson, the Refill Jackson Initiative (RJI)  is a nonprofit with a mission to empower young adults ages 18 to 24 to be more equipped and motivated to enter the workforce and be self-sufficient. For success in any job, workers need soft and technical skills–and RJI teaches both.

Christmas is a time to partake in numerous traditions, but the telling of ghost stories?

Believe it or not, this was once a beloved holiday tradition. People would gather together and tell each other scary stories on Christmas Eve.

Many in the South celebrate Christmas by visiting Beau Rivage, MGM Resorts International’s expansive AAA Four-Diamond beachfront destination in Biloxi.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently awarded thousands of dollars in STEM grants to 21 schools in Mississippi.

With the holiday season in full swing, I shall present to you the Top Ten Christmas Movies of All Time. At least, according to your faithful columnist. Obviously, there are a lot of good Christmas films out there, and tastes vary, but this chart will give us something to think about. So, with bells jingling in the background, here we go.