Brrrr! It’s cold!

Santa not only brought gifts but also North Pole air and brisk wind. Christmas day was the coldest day of the year. Families had to scramble and adjust plans from garage or even patio dining to warmer locations. Complying with covid pre-cautions – even outdoors – seems to be safer in halting the virus spread.

Our family moved indoors at daughter Sally’s house. She opened doors to allow an outdoor draft. Loving family spirits warmed the day as gifts were opened and all the traditional favorites were served.

One family member who couldn’t be there was Sarah, who contracted covid Christmas week. She had to remain alone in her Charlotte apartment. Not to be denied, her dad, Chris Stormer, donned Santa gear, pack on his back, and took Christmas to a surprised and happy Sarah.

Church services were different as some required reservations for a safe capacity. This different Christmas carried the same message, “The reason for the season.”

Anne Bull reports: Even through covid, Santa made his way to Lexington for all the good little girls and boys. Items received included: the ever popular dolls, bikes, and sports equipment. Vicki and Tom Hudson, grandparents of 10, reported that their grandchildren received electronics, headphones, Oculus and a Kindle Fire.

No white Christmas was given this year, but we have just started our winter so there’s still hope of snowflakes falling. With schools adapting to going virtual, will there be a need for snow days? This, too, may be a thing of the past since students can do their school work from home.

Are you celebrating New Year’s Eve tonight? In keeping with current times, Zooming or Face Timing could be a safe option. Technology has given us ways to communicate without “in person” visits.

The traditional ball will drop in Times Square at midnight taking out old 2020 and ringing in a new hopeful 2021!

What doES “Auld Lang Syne” really mean? From Reader’s Digest: The short answer: “Auld Lang Syne” is the title and key phrase of a 1788 Scots poem by Robert Burns and sung on New Year’s Eve around the world. The phrase “auld lang syne” literally translates to “old long since” and basically means, “days gone by.” The original 5-verse poem gets you singing, “let’s drink to days gone by” – an appropriate toast. If you’re curious, this is when the world’s 1st New Year’s resolutions were made.

On New Year’s Day remember, if you want to keep a Southern tradition, eat black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day for good health and prosperity.

Other New Year traditions:

• “Fill your cupboards as it is bad luck to start the New Year with bare ones.”

• “Open doors just before midnight to let the old year out and welcome the new one.

• “Don’t start the year with unpaid debts or you set a precedent for the year ahead.”

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says you can predict winter weather with a locally-grown persimmon seed. Locally-grown persimmon is necessary because it will reflect local conditions. Wait to pick the fruit or cut into it until after it gets a bit soft – almost mushy.

Open the fruit and cut open a persimmon seed. Look at the shape of the kernel inside. If the kernel is spoon-shaped, expect plenty of snow to shovel.

If it is fork-shaped, plan on a mild winter with powdery, light snow.

If the kernel is knife-shaped, expect frigid winds that will “cut” like a blade.

Now cut open a persimmon and let us know the weather forecast.

Happy Birthday to Dale Elliott, Marshall Carroll, Catherine Compton, Faye Hightower, Drew Welch, Elaine Mayfield, Chase Rabern, Dylan Taylor, Samuel Taylor, Frank Troglauer, Sr., Warner Ettenger, Donna Jackson, Dawn Corley, Laura Cox, Taylor Keel, Tyler Keel, Katy Clark Lever, Tommy Mathias, Jan Smith, Charlotte Compton, Wanda Ebert, Katelin Gordon, John Nichols, Ron Slice, Carolyn Smith, Kyle Snelgrove, Brooks Bennett, Jr., Cory Bowen, Callie Helton, Ann Purcell, George Stoudemire, Jr., James Massey, Linda Kerr, Weston Shealy and Connor Watkins.

Tune in Sugar Bowl Jan. 1 at 8 pm, Clemson Tigers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes.