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What’s INSIDE
52 Family Night Ideas
Start a new weekly tradition in 2026.
Beyond Words
Aflac children's book launch teaches empathy and kindness.
Holiday Gift Guide
'Tis the season of buying locally!
Gift Giving
7 suggestions for gifts that come wrapped in an experience.
your favorite color?
with Mickey Mouse or a piano
do
Felix Brackin, 3, enjoyed the festive decorations at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. He is the son of Lucas and Kayla Brackin of Phenix City. photos by Eliza Daffin Photography
PARENT to Parent
Season's Greetings and a happy new year to you and your family. The time of planning, shopping and enjoying the magic of the season is upon us. Find all your festive family events on page 5. It has everything from crafts, lights, shows and parades. Let’s not forget all the Santa sightings around town.
If tangible gifts are not on your list this year, then give the gift of an experience. If it’s a one-time event or a gift that keeps on giving, we have ideas to share on page 13. Rolling into January after all the festivities, establish a day of the week and declare it a family night. We have 52 ideas to take you through 2026. Shake it up and let your littles draw numbers to plan the following week’s event. Books are abound in our Book Nook column, and we have sage advice as always from Dr. Britney Farmer on Seasonal Affective Disorder and reflections on family life with Natalie Downey.
A book high on my gift giving list this season is Aflac’s new book, Beyond Words, which teaches children about empathy. Bestselling children’s author Sheri Fink introduced the book at a fun-filled morning of story time and activities with Mathews Elementary School and Georgia Pre-K students in mid-November. All proceeds from book sales go to support nationwide cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. Read more about it on page 8. Additionally, you can shop our holiday gift guide for more ideas as well as our additional gift guide in the November/December issue of Columbus & the Valley.
We hope the excitement is building in your home for a wonderful festive season, and we wish you all the best for 2026.
Jodi Saunders
P. O. Box 229
Columbus, GA 31902
706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216
EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Jodi Saunders
jodi@columbusandthevalley.com
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Becky Kenimer
Advertising Account Executive becky@columbusandthevalley.com
Margie Richardson
Advertising Account Executive margie@columbusandthevalley.com
Julie Lauzon
Sales & Marketing Manager salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Rebecca DeLoach 62GraphicStudio.com
WRITERS
Natalie Downey Dr. Britney Farmer
Khristina Gallagher
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Lyons Pam Molnar Jodi Saunders
PHOTOGRAPHY
Eliza Daffin Photography ElizaDaffin.com
A Publication of Columbus and the Valley
Family Fun CALENDAR
THROUGH JAN. 4
in Lights Callaway Gardens CallawayGardens.com 13-14 The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker RiverCenter RiverCenter.org
2nd Annual Horns for the Holidays
Highside Market HighsideMarket.org
20 Toy Archery Shoot
FDR State Park Explore.GaStateParks.org/info/306192
Garden Volunteer Day Columbus Museum COMUGA.org
Columbus River Dragons vs. Blue Ridge Bobcats Columbus Civic Center RDragons.com
Illusionist Student Workshop Clement Arts ClementArts.org
Columbus Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsal RiverCenter CSOGA.org
Submit your upcoming event online at columbusandthevalley.com/valley-parent-magazine-event-submissions
HAVE A JOLLY GOOD TIME WITH OUR JOLLY GOOD FRIEND FROM THE
Make 2026 a Year to Remember 52 FAMILY NIGHT IDEAS
fter the excitement of the holidays, it is hard to keep up that level of fun with the family. If you need ideas for your weekly family night or if you want to start one, you have come to the right place. Here’s one for every week of 2026!
by Pam Molnar
Choose a family favorite or try a new game.
Choose from dollar store wooden pieces, glasses or canvas as your base.
It’s a great way to get the kids to try something new.
Make a Kahoot and see how much you know about the family.
Dress up in character and serve themed foods.
A great way to make the perfect slice.
Play Mario Kart, parents vs. kids to find the real
Work
Put
Create
trace and decorate your family or play games like Four Square.
Make themed pancakes to go with your favorite puzzle.
Add your favorite toppings to homemade or store bought ice cream. 18
Find or create family game shows like Wheel of Fortune or Deal or No Deal.
Make a memory book of your last vacation or family celebration.
Race, climb, crawl, and laugh your way to victory.
Everyone reads the same book and talks about it together when they are done. 22
You will find dozens of ideas online. Play as individuals or teams.
Like the TV show, cook the best meal that includes 1-3 unusual ingredients.
Look for family friendly volunteer activities in your area.
Fill your fondue pot with cheeses, broths or chocolate and serve with your favorite dippers.
Create Lego monsters, vehicles or structures by using just your imagination.
Load up the bikes and explore a new trail or neighborhood.
Play an old favorite, learn a new one or create your own game using a simple deck of cards.
Set up indoor tents with fluffy pillows, twinkling lights and fancy snacks.
Make a list of vacation ideas, local restaurants or family activities.
Choose from indoor or outdoor lists at home, the mall or your neighborhood.
Pull out the home movies from the kids’ baby years or your own.
Get messy and creative with cookie cutters, rolling pins and molds.
Try Simon Says, Flashlight Tag, Red Rover or Kick the Can.
Are you a toss lightly or throw hard family?
Find a mystery game online and see if your family can figure out who did it.
Challenge your family to make crafts out of scrap cardboard, plastics or fabric.
Reach out to family from across the country and invite them for a night to catch up.
Act out or draw from a list of items and see if your family can guess.
It’s not just for Tuesdays! Offer all your family favorites and some new options to try.
Give the kids $10 as a shopping challenge for a meal, craft night or a theme of your own.
Check out Karafun.com for Karaoke night at home.
Can you do something for 1 minute, like hold plank position or stand on one leg?
Play kickball with your kids or challenge another family to a friendly game.
Head out on foot or in the car to see the neighborhood decorations.
Gather items from 2026 to be opened again in 5 or 10 years. 47 MAKE KINDNESS ROCKS
Decorate flat rocks and leave them for others to trade and enjoy.
SHOW WITH A THEME
Head to your closets to dress for a theme like Going to the Ball, Hoedown or Neon Nights.
TREE
Check out Ancestry.com to find how far back you can trace your family tree.
Sometimes just changing the layout can feel like a whole new room.
Decorate large boxes to look like cars and screen a movie indoors or outside. 52 NAME THAT
SONG
Can your family figure out what song it is in 10 seconds? How about 5? VP
“Beyond Words”
A STORY OF ADVENTURE, CONNECTION AND KINDNESS THAT SUPPORTS THE AFLAC CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION
by Jodi Saunders
In collaboration with bestselling children’s book author Sheri Fink and research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, Aflac Incorporated recently released a new children’s book that highlights the power of empathy, kindness and compassion for loved ones, especially children, facing health challenges. At the book launch held in Columbus in November, author Sheri Fink read Beyond Words to children from Mathews Elementary School, and they also had the opportunity to participate in stations that represented themes throughout the book. Beyond Words represents Aflac’s newest expression of care with 100% of net proceeds benefiting the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Beyond Words introduces readers to Buddy, a bear cub who struggles to find the right words to comfort his friend, Bunny, who is in the hospital. As Buddy’s imagination takes flight, readers follow his intergalactic space adventures with new friends who help him understand that sometimes it’s not what you say, but what you do—beyond words—that matters most when someone is in need.
Patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta also participated in focus groups to help shape the storylines and illustrations. Mary Webb, a childhood cancer survivor and former patient at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, provided the illustration for the “Why This Book Matters” page.
“For more than 30 years, Aflac has supported children and families during
their cancer journeys, providing them with opportunities for new treatments, and ultimately, better chances of survival,” Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. “Yet, we thought we could do more by helping those surrounding the affected children who may struggle with how to provide comfort during challenging times. Beyond Words is a beautiful expression of love and compassion.”
“Aflac’s heartfelt mission to help children experiencing childhood cancer and blood disorders—and those surrounding them—through a children’s book exemplifies the company’s commitment to make a tangible difference in children’s care,” Fink said.
“With Beyond Words, I was inspired to share the many ways we can express love and friendship, even when we don’t know the perfect thing to say. Buddy reminds us that there is infinite power in kindness and compassion.”
To illuminate the theme of Beyond Words, full of space adventures and interplanetary travel, Aflac asked Kellie Gerardi, a multi-mission research astronaut and mother, to provide the book foreword and be the voice of the audio version of the book. The audio version and free downloadable coloring sheets featuring Buddy and a few of his
special friends are available by scanning the QR code on the last page of the book.
“I am proud to join Aflac on its mission Beyond Words and support such an important cause,” Gerardi said. “Whether I am spending time with my daughter or preparing to travel to space, Buddy’s reminder of the importance of showing up for the people we care most about through action, even if we don’t have the perfect words, is something I’ll continue to carry with me.”
Visit Aflac.com/BeyondWords for purchase options, including Archway Publishing, from Simon & Schuster, and Amazon. The hard cover book is $21.99 and soft cover is $12.99, with 100 percent of net proceeds benefiting childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation. VP
Beyond Words author, Sheri Fink, with students from Mathews Elementary.
Mental Health MINUTE
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Finding Light in the Darker Months
During winter months, I feel inspired to write about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This topic is also close to home because of my mother, who swears that as the temperature drops, her mood drops right along with it—leaving her wanting to burrow under a blanket with a good book and hide from the world.
Growing up in sunny California, I never thought much about vitamin D levels. Now, as I work with patients here in the Valley area, I’m noticing more signs of low vitamin D—often reflected in their low mood. For reference, vitamin D is naturally produced when we are exposed to sunlight.
SAD isn’t just “the winter blues,” low vitamin D, or the urge to get cozy. It’s a recognized subtype of clinical depression that appears during the darker months and typically lifts as spring and summer return. To be diagnosed, this seasonal pattern must occur for at least two consecutive years. Common symptoms of SAD include sadness, fatigue, oversleeping, overeating, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, low energy, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness and sometimes thoughts of suicide. If these symptoms sound familiar, read on for valuable information.
Can I Have Both Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
Technically, no—and here’s why. SAD is actually considered a subtype of Major Depressive Disorder. If you meet the criteria for SAD, it’s diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, with a seasonal pattern. People with MDD typically experience symptoms throughout the year, regardless of daylight or season. However, those already managing MDD may find their symptoms worsen during the winter months. This can be linked to several factors: lower vitamin D levels, reduced physical activity, fewer outdoor routines, shorter daylight hours and even emotional weight from seasonal traditions. In such cases, your provider
would continue to diagnose MDD but may adjust the severity level based on how symptoms fluctuate seasonally.
Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Happen to “Regular” People?
About five percent of U.S. adults experience it each year, and it’s not limited to adults alone. In fact, young adults (ages 18–30) and women are at higher risk. It’s also more common in people who live farther from the equator, where daylight hours are shorter in winter. On self-report, women often describe more negative life events, limited support and hormonal changes that may contribute to depressive symptoms. Younger adults can also be more sensitive to time changes, especially since many have active evening social lives that are disrupted when nights come earlier. The highest-risk months for SAD are typically January and February, when daylight is at its shortest and the post-holiday lull sets in.
What are the Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder?
There are several effective treatments for SAD—often used alone or in combination:
1. Medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are commonly prescribed to help increase serotonin, a brain chemical that promotes feelings of well-being and positivity.
2. Light Therapy: Lamps that mimic natural daylight and can be especially helpful during winter’s darker days. These lamps filter out harmful UV rays and isolate the beneficial light spectrum that stimulates vitamin D production and regulates mood. Using a light box for about 20 minutes a day can lead to noticeable improvement within a couple of weeks.
3. Talk Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has shown great results for SAD. This form of therapy helps explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. It’s best to
by Dr. Britney Farmer
work with a licensed mental health professional—such as a counselor, social worker or psychologist—who can guide you through strategies to improve your mood and resilience.
Can Seasonal Affective Disorder Be Prevented?
While SAD can’t be completely prevented, there are meaningful things you can do year-round to help prepare your mind and body for the darker months.
• Spend time outdoors in the morning sunlight when possible. This helps your body gradually adjust to seasonal shifts in your internal clock.
• Strengthen social connections with family and friends. Having supportive people around you during the winter months can lift your spirits and even make the season more enjoyable.
• Maintain consistent sleep. Wake time is also key, especially during time changes. Try to go to bed and wake up within one hour of the same time each day, even on weekends and holidays.
• Pair this with nutritious eating to help support your circadian rhythm. The internal biological clock that influences sleep, mood and energy.
• Finally, make regular movement a part of your routine. Exercise not only helps fight the urge to oversleep or overeat but also improves oxygen flow, energy and overall well-being.
While the winter season may bring challenges, it also offers an opportunity to slow down, reflect and reconnect—with yourself and with others. By nourishing your body, maintaining structure and seeking support when needed, you can build resilience against the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder and find light in even the darkest months of the year. VP
Dr. Britney Farmer is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist originally from California currently living in Columbus and practicing for St. Francis Hospital Partners at The Bradley Center Campus. Dr. Farmer has a passion for children with mental health disorders, learning disabilities and autism.
Book NOOK
Celebrate
the magic of the
by Khristina Gallagher
holiday season and the promise of a fresh start with these heartwarming children’s books that inspire joy, reflection and new beginnings.
AGES 3-7
The Humble Pie
by Jory Johnson
When Humble Pie teams up with Jake the Cake, he learns that stepping out of the shadows can be just as rewarding as lifting others up. A deliciously funny story about friendship, confidence and finding your voice.
AGES 3-7
The Snowy Day
by
Ezra Jack Keats
Winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, Ezra Jack Keats’ timeless tale captures a young boy’s joy during the first snowfall. This beloved classic, now in a sturdy board book format, features vibrant full-color illustrations, making it perfect for introducing even the youngest readers to the magic of winter’s wonder.
AGES 4-8
Alice in Winter Wonderland
by Jan Brett
When Alice follows a pocket watch–checking white rabbit into an Alaskan glacier, she tumbles into a whimsical world of wild characters and hilarious chaos. Beloved figures like the Cheshire Cat and Queen appear as native Alaskan animals, reimagining a classic tale with fresh charm done with magical illustrations.
AGES 8-12
Juniper’s Christmas by Eion
Coffer
Celebrate the holidays with a joyful, magical tale about a brave girl, Santa’s secrets and festive adventure. With whimsical illustrations and heartwarming characters, it honors hope, kindness and Christmas spirit— perfect for readers of all ages to enjoy year after year.
These reviews are provided by Columbus Bound Bookshop owner Khristina Gallagher. Locally owned, located in Midtown, Columbus Bound Bookshop carries new books for children and adults. You can find them online at Columbus Bound Bookshop, Facebook and Instagram.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
1
SCHOMBURG’S
Schomburgs.com
$78
SCHOMBURG’S
Schomburgs.com
4
SCHOMBURG’S
Schomburgs.com
Fun Page
Candy Cane Maze
How do you spell candy with two letters? C and Y!
What is the funniest candy? A LOL-lipop!
What is red, white and blue? A sad candy cane!
Find these words:
Sweet Treat Word Search Dessert
Can you unscramble these words?
Fun Fact So Funny!
Cotton candy was actually created by a dentist!
In 1897, Nashville dentist William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton created a machine that spun melted sugar into fluffy strands and introduced it as “Fairy Floss” at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
EXPERIENCE GIFTS to Give Kids This Season
Does it feel like your kids already have more toys than they could ever want? I love the holidays and the spirit of gift giving, but every year I wonder what toys my kids could possibly want and where they will go in our already crowded home? Experience gifts are a great gift option that has benefits for kids, parents and other gift givers. With an experience gift, your child will create great memories while enjoying something they may not have had the opportunity to try otherwise. An added bonus is that there is no need to store the item after the child has grown tired of playing with it. Here are some great experience gift ideas for every child on your list.
by Sarah Lyons
Subscription Box
A subscription box is a great gift idea for those that are especially tweens and teens that are hard to buy for. They are now available for any age, interest and price range. If your child loves science, reading, art, games or sports; chances are there is a subscription box that will fit their interests.
Classes and Camps
Consider giving the gift of prepaid classes or camps that fit your child’s interest. Some ideas include dance, gymnastics, sports, cooking, art or music. Classes and camps can be really expensive but are worth the money and give kids the opportunity to try something new.
Travel
Consider combining your holiday and vacation budget to take a family trip. Whether it’s an overnight trip to a nearby indoor water park or a cross-country trip, traveling is a great way to expose your child to different places and build family memories at the same time.
Tickets
Getting tickets to a favorite sporting event, concert or show is a great idea for a gift for the whole family. Combine the gift with a T-shirt to wear to the event or a backstage tour to make the day more memorable.
Box It Up
If your budget is a little smaller, try putting together several things in a box for your child to enjoy. Combine art supplies, a sketch book, paints and other craft items for an art box. You could also put together a cooking box, ingredients for homemade playdough with cookie cutters or a gardening box with seeds, gardening gloves and tools. Get creative and combine your child’s interests to put together a customized box.
Season pass
One of my family’s favorite gifts is a seasonal family pass to local attractions. This not only saves us money, but it also encourages us to get out, enjoy our city and make memories along the way. Some attractions to consider are zoo admission, a local museum (consider a children’s museum if your children are of the right ages), amusement park tickets or swimming season passes to the area pool.
Adventure Gifts
For the adventurous child, look for experience gifts that give them a chance to try something they wouldn’t normally get to do. Some ideas could include horseback riding, fishing, camping, rock climbing, indoor skydiving or a day at a gym with an obstacle course or trampolines. VP
Academy Dance Center
Acute Care Express
All About Kids Learning Center
Devica Alappan, MD
Angel Academy
Aranas & Stitt, OBGYN
Bareware Pottery
Basilio Pediatrics
Behavioral Health Partners
Bluebelle Artist Market
The Blushing Brunette Boutique
Carver Heights Presbyterian Child Development Ctr.
Center Pharmacy
Central Christian Church
Central OBGYN
Chambers OBGYN
Ritu Chandra, MD
Childcare Network (Hamilton Rd)
Clement Arts
Columbus Bound Bookshop
Columbus Children’s Dentistry
Columbus Clinic
Columbus Museum
Columbus Pediatrics
Columbus Public Library
Columbus Regional Midtown
Columbus Roberts Center
CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Ctr.
Dinglewood Pharmacy
Divine Childcare Learning Ctr.
Columbus Specialty Hospital
James Dorchak, MD
Easter Seals
Miranda Y. Edwards, MD
Fairview Baptist Preschool
The Family Center
Family Physicians of Columbus
First Baptist Church Child Dev./PC
Foot & Ankle of West Ga.
Fort Benning Housing Services
Fountain City Coffee
Generations Knowledge & Care Ctr.
Great Beginnings Child Care
Greystone Falls
Greystone of Columbus Park
Greystone Inverness
Growing Room
Growing Room Too
Hollywood Connection
Imagination Station
Imagination Station Too
International Friendship Ministries
Joyful Journeys Childcare
Just for Kids
Kool Smiles
Mark Lawrence, DDS
Little Angels Child Development Ctr.
Little Paws Preschool
Thomas Malone, MD
Mathnasium
Mickayla’s Place
Midtown OBGYN
Mildred L. Terry Library
My Gym
Necco Foster Care
North Columbus Public Library
Northside Recreation Center
OBGYN Associates
Lirio E. Palmos, MD
Panvelkar & Panvelkar, MD
Pastoral Institute
Pediatrics at Brookstone Ctr.
Phenix City-Russell County Library
Pierce Chapel Methodist Preschool
Polka-Dots Early Childhood Development. Ctr.
Preppy Pets
Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Ctr.
Rivertown Pediatrics
Russell County DHR
Second Avenue Animal Hospital
Jeffrey Serff, DMD
Smile Doctors
Smiths Station Baptist Church
Smiths Station Pharmacy
St. John AME Church
St. Luke Early Learning Ctr.
St. Mark UMC Child Dev. Ctr.
Lisa Alexander Strickland, DMD
Summerville Baptist Church
Sylvan Learning Center
Nora Tan-Ngo, MD
Toni’s Dancing Studio
TSYS Childcare Center
Uptown Pediatrics
Richard A. Valentine, MD
Wynnton Methodist Preschool
ZÖe Pediatrics
In the THICK OF IT
by Natalie Downey
The Glow of Holiday Traditions
They say it’s the most “wonderful” time of the year. But as parents, we wonder if it might be more accurate to call it the most stressful time of the year.
Between school parties and Santa photos, the holidays can seem like outright chaos at times. Even with the best intentions for a peaceful, mindful holiday, it’s easy to get swept up in the shopping, cookie-making, twinkling mayhem and wanting to give our kids a memorable holiday—somehow always feeling compelled to make it bigger and better than last year’s. But memorable doesn’t always have to mean expensive or extravagant. Sometimes it’s the simple family tradition, the bedtime story on Christmas Eve or the cozy movie night watching Elf for the 100th time.
The idea of creating family traditions used to seem daunting. I understand that traditions are important—they give kids a sense of belonging and camaraderie, helping us form bonds and make memories. I’m not very consistent, though, and traditions depend on a certain promise to return to them at the same time each year. Unknowingly, I was creating traditions all along with the kids, and they have helped me stick to them, reminding me each year if I forget.
For years now, our Christmas has been on a budget, and with a large family, we have to keep our holiday celebrations in check. However, I’ve discovered that in the weeks leading up to the holidays, the kids are most eager to relive the simple family traditions that don’t cost much at all.
“When can we choose names?” my son asked the other evening at dinner. I knew what he was referring to. Each year, my kids draw the name of one of their siblings out of a hat. The name they draw becomes what we simply refer to as their “Person,” and a few days before Christmas, we go shopping so they can get their Person a gift. All month long, I keep a list of which sibling drew which name and guard it with
my life, while the kids do everything to try to find my list or get me to crack. They attempt to read my expressions while they call out their siblings’ names (they know I’m a terrible liar), and I fight to protect the element of surprise on Christmas Day when they pass out their sibling gifts and have our big reveal.
Another tradition they usually start mentioning around November each year is the Song Game. Each person chooses a Christmas song, and we keep a tally of how many times we hear the songs on the radio while driving around town, running errands or shopping in stores. There’s cheating galore now that I have teenagers with Spotify who know how to create a queue. But the spirit of the game remains—choose a song that’s likely to win. The winner is simply The Winner, and all bragging rights go to them.
The kids love these traditions. But to be honest? They were born from our need to stick to the Christmas budget. Like any parent, I’ve always longed to give my kids the magical Christmas they deserve, but found myself having to get creative at times. I often felt guilty that their Christmas couldn’t be more extravagant, but I’m starting to realize that a lot of those standards are ones adults, not kids, put on each other. Kids are oblivious to the aesthetic perfection of the meal presentation, they’re simply happy to feel that they have a place where they belong, anchored in the promises that traditions hint at.
It’s not only the necessity of budget which might have some parents opting for a more simple holiday. Sometimes it’s the desire to teach our kids about gratitude and show them that what matters most is spending time with our loved ones and making memories that echo to the sound of bells jingling all year round. These are what sustain us. It’s what we remember when life gets hard, or we feel alone. They give us
something a shiny, new gift never can. I shout to the kids, “Come make your hot chocolate!” They stampede into the kitchen and choose a mug, fill it with the warm, chocolatey goodness and top it with their choice of whipped cream, marshmallows and crushed up candy canes. Someone always spills theirs right about the time we pile into the car or someone burns their tongue. I sigh and pass around napkins. Then we set out on our family’s own tour of lights. Driving around town in our pajamas, sipping on warm mugs of hot chocolate, we stop to admire the houses audaciously adorned with lights, emanating the excitement of the season. It’s nothing new, really. But it’s us, together, and present. Tradition says, “Same time next year?” And we make a pact to return, to remember and to reconnect again and again.
Driving back home, I whisper a prayer of gratitude for the chance to spend time together making memories that will last longer than the batteries in my son’s new remote-controlled car. Right now, we have everything we need. We have each other, and that is more than enough. VP
and enjoys spending time in nature when she finds a free moment to recharge.
As a mother of six, Natalie Downey navigates the world of parenthood with a balance of humor and nostalgic sentiment. She lives in East Alabama
OUR FREE ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE FEATURING OUR COMMUNITY CREATED GINGERBREAD VILLAGE, HOLIDAY MUSIC ON THE WAVE THEATRE ORGAN, AND MAYBE A SURPRISE VISIT FROM SANTA! IT ISN’T TOO LATE TO JOIN OUR GINGERBREAD VILLAGE! SCAN TO LEARN MORE
