Seasonal

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The Thankful Tree

Linda Kastiel Kozlowski,

My sons, ages 3 and 5 years, have 57 dinosaurs, 24 action heroes and 214 army men. They also have an amazing collection of 47 ketchup packets, just to prove it’s not the cost that counts. Before you convict me of attempted-spoiling, I’ll ask you to count up your children’s favorite toys. After that, consider that all these items (never mind the ketchup) were purchased by well-meaning aunts, uncles, friends and grandmas.

Article340

A Christmas Holiday Retreat in Dillsboro/Balsam

Elaine Heitman,

Crisp mountain air, luminaries, carolers performing on the street corner and the whistle of a steam locomotive set the stage for an memorable holiday weekend in Dillsboro, N.C. Just down the road, the Balsam Inn welcomes you with a blazing fire, hot cider and comfortable rooms. Only 2.5 hours from Charlotte, you’ll feel a thousand miles away and decades in the past.

Article344

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore House

Vicki Stewart,

To spend the holidays at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is to step back in time. The sights, the sounds, the smells all are reminiscent of the Gilded Age at the turn of the century. Each year, the Biltmore House is richly decorated in the holiday traditions set by George W. Vanderbilt, who first welcomed friends and family to his country retreat on Christmas Eve 1895. The bright tapestry of Christmas colors complement the rich oak paneling and European furnishings of the home.

Butter-Basted Lemon and Lime Turkey

Alex Allson,

A chilled lemon and lime butter, placed under the skin, adds a zesty twist to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and solves the problem of dry breast meat. You’ll need to dispense with your rings, gird your loins and push that citrus butter up under the skin. It is a little fiddly (the butter will break up), and you may not like the slimy sensation, but it’s well worth it. To help the big day go smoothly, make the butter ahead. Let the kids help mix the butter, lemon and lime zest together,

Ages & Stages: Pregnancy: Expecting the Best This Holiday Season

Carmen Short-Shagam,

The holidays have always been a time of anticipation and expectation — whether it’s remembering a family awaiting the birth of a small child long ago, or bubbly children anticipating Hanukkah gifts or Santa Claus — the season is a natural time to be expecting a bundle of joy. Follow these tips to be sure you’re expecting the best holiday season ever!

Just Next Door: McAdenville

Eve White,

McAdenville, N.C. — known as Christmas Town, USA — lights up each year to entertain and delight families from all over the area. Located in Gaston County just west of Charlotte, this small textile town, population* 619, hosts more than 600,000 visitors annually from Dec. 1-26 for the Christmas Lights celebration.

Article379

Home for the Holidays: Being Mom in Your Mom's House

Jenn Q. Goddu,

Nigel Bronson is an inquisitive and enthusiastic 2-year-old who likes to run and explore. His mom thinks that’s just fine; if he falls, he learns to slow down. "With a child, it’s better they learn through experience," explained Courtney Bronson of Charlotte. "I can say, ‘No, Nigel. Stop Nigel, don’t do that,’ but Nigel is going to do it until he learns there are consequences to it. I’d rather he learn that than to continually holler and go after him."

Article2546

What Do Teachers Want?

Courtney Onge,

Holiday gift lists grow as our families do, thanks to the teachers, coaches, choir directors, dance instructors, bus drivers and others who enrich our children’s lives. What do they really want?

Article2587

Take a Time-Out for Love

Eve Nicholas,

Even if you can only spare a weekend away or a simple dinner-and-a-movie night out, a brief parental "time out" might be just the thing to clear your mind and revitalize your relationship, which is good for the entire family.