#16
September 1, 2026#18
September 1, 2026
Searchable issue transcript
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$8.95 $8.95 foothills foothills The T h e C C h r istmas h r istmas I ssue I ssue Display Until 2/08/22 Display Until 2/08/22 Natu r e N atu r e A r t A r t H ist o r y H ist o r y C u ltu r e C u ltu r e M u sic M u sic Christm as w ith C h r istm as w ith
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That’s where our 2021 Patient Safety score ranks among 4,542 hospitals in America. We are here for you, and we are committed to your safety. Top 2% in the Nation. During this pandemic, our team has continued to earn a place among the highest performing hospitals. Patient Safety — and the safety of all who work here and enter our facilities — will continue to be our number one priority. We are COVID-safe and we are grateful that you place your care in our hands. Covid-19 Highest Safety Rating
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L L imited imited E E dition dition Bob Timberlake is pleased to make a special offering to Foothills subscribers of “Clear Nite,” a signed and numbered limited edition giclee’ print of a Christmas scene at the Guest House at his Studio in Lexington, North Carolina. A portion of the sale of each print will benefit The Empty Stocking Fund in Lexington which provides Christmas gifts to underprivileged children locally. Signed and numbered prints are $300 plus tax with free shipping. Prints are 13 inches by 20 inches and arrive with a certificate of authenticity. We will also make available 4 framed and matted remarque prints, which include a small original drawing by the artist for $1000 plus tax. Visit The Bob Timberlake Gallery at 1714 East Center Street in Lexington or call 3 3 6 . 2 4 9 . 4 4 2 8 3 3 6 . 2 4 9 . 4 4 2 8 T T o o O O rder rder :: Bob Timberlake Print Bob Timberlake Print
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foothills Digest Foothills Digest PO Box 2670 Lenoir, NC 28645 Christmas 2021 Phone: 828.475.1323 E-mail: editor@foothillsdigest.com Website: foothillsdigest.com Stock by Adobe Stock PRINTED IN USA PARTNER COMPANY: ECKARD PHOTOGRAPHIC CARMEN ECKARD Editor-in-Chief GUEST EDITOR Rachel Woodard JON ECKARD Principal Photographer JOEY OSBORNE Partner BOB TIMBERLAKE Contributor DEDICATED TO DONALD ECKARD This magazine is family owned and operated. The patriarch of our family was Don Eckard. His inspiration and motivation has been pivital to our lives and to this magazine. As a family, we’ve learned much about the world by watching him interact with it. He was wise and sensible, and we’re happy to carry on his name and lineage. He died on October 16, 2021, and will be lovingly missed. We dedicate this issue to Dad/Don/Pawpaw.
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5 Dear Readers, Merry Christmas, friends! It’s such a wonderful time of year, and I’m delighted to dedicate a whole issue to celebrating Christmas in the foothills of North Carolina. From our quirky historical Christmas traditions to the best places to catch the Nutcracker, this issue is designed to inform your celebrations, and help you make even more memories. I’m also positively bubbling over with excitement to work with acclaimed artist Bob Timberlake to bring you a limited edition, signed and numbered print of the artwork on the cover of this issue. We met Mr. Timberlake when we interviewed him for this magazine two years ago, and in the time since then, he’s become a dear friend. “Clear Nite” is my favorite of all of his paintings, and I’m so thrilled to be able to share it with you. Below, I’m pictured with him and our mutual friend Santa Claus, who is also hoping you have a Merry Christmas. He requests that you leave him some cookies and a glass of milk on Christmas Eve. I hope this season finds you happy and healthy. However you celebrate, here’s hoping this issue can enrich the holiday for you and yours. All my love, Letter Letter from the Editor Editor
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3 ”Clear Nite” Information 5 Letter from the Editor 8 Breaking Up Christmas 20 Christmas Fiddlin’ 22 North Carolina Fraser Firs 32 Tree Farm Directory 34 Santa Climbs Chimney Rock 38 Christmas at Biltmore 44 Van Gogh Alive 46 National Gingerbread House Competition 48 Nutcracker 50 Parades 54 Nativities 56 Dazzling Lights 62 Polar Express 64 Recipes T T able able of of C C ontents ontents
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76 Christmas Cocktail Recipes 82 Sparta Candle Company 88 Pomanders 90 Craft Fairs 94 Granny Eckard 96 Christmas Cheer 98 Christmas Plays & Treat Bags 100 Christmas with Bob Timberlake 120 Fireflies at Grandfather 124 Yes, Virginia... 127 Subscribe
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Breaking Up Christmas and other Peculiar Local Customs Christmas has always been the most celebrated holiday in the foothills of North Carolina. It heralds the onset of winter, and folks here have always known the importance of gathering with your family and friends before the weather and the short days make coming together more difficult. People here celebrated “Old Christmas” much longer than most societies. For many many years, everywhere Christmas was celebrated, Christmas was on January 6th. The Gregorian Calendar changed that, and Christmas moved to December 25th. It was the middle of the 18th century when most of Europe adopted the new calendar, but it took longer to reach the states, and even longer to reach the mountain settlements. Breaking Up Christmas Breaking Up Christmas is peculiar to just a few counties in our region. People celebrated from the 25th of December until January 6th, traveling from one house to another, making merry everywhere they went. They would dance, sing and fiddle. In fact, there’s a popular traditional fiddle tune called Breaking Up Christmas that celebrates the festivities. The melody is older than the lyrics, but they are: Hooray Jake, hooray John Breakin’ up Christmas all night long Santa Claus come, done and gone Breaking up Christmas right straight along Don’t you remember a long time ago The old folks danced the doesey-doe You can celebrate Old Christmas yourself by visiting downtown Mount Airy on January 2 for a Breaking Up Christmas Dance featuring The New Smokey Valley Boys. This annual event is helping to keep the idea of Breaking Up Christmas alive in the foothills.
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Crickets on the Hearth For millennia, seeing a cricket on your hearth has heralded good luck and prosperity. This is first documented in China, but it spans many cultures and many centuries. In Appalachia, it’s taken hold. A cricket on your hearth in western North Carolina is considered a very good omen, and if it happens on Christmas, your whole next year will be lucky. Sewing a Pillow Case When the family wasn’t visiting the neighbors to Break Up Christmas, the women were likely sewing pillowcases. It was tradition to sew them between Old Christmas and new Christmas. Usually, coins would be sewn into the hems of the pillowcase, as this was thought to bring good luck during the new year. Singing Traditional caroling was popular, as was singing Christmas hymns in church. Listen to foothills legend Doc Watson singing the traditional tune Christmas Lullaby by using the QR code below. Serenading Serenading was a much loved tradition in the region. It’s a lot like caroling, except more fun and much more mischievous. The idea was to dress up on Christmas Eve, sneak up on families, then startle them with a lot
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Museum of Appalachia in Tennessee
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West Main of noise. This could include singing, but was usually closer to screaming, loud banging and crashing. If they heard the youth coming, a warning shot would be fired and the teens would scatter. If, however, the serenaders were successful, the family owed them a treat. It’s thought that the tradition of serenading began in England. “The Day of Misrule” was celebrated annually by servants and their children, who could go door to door and ask for food and treats. Serenading developed out of that tradition, and it felt much more like trick-or-treating than caroling. Lloyd Fish remembers in a first hand account in A Foxfire Christmas: “The night before Christmas was always the big night back when I was a growing up. We’d get firecrackers and cowbells and shotguns and we’d just go from one house to another. We called it serenading. Did you ever hear tell of that? Yeah, we’d just go and slip up on a home. We’d wait till they went to bed, you see, before we started. And we’d slide up in the yard, because if they run out and beat you and hollered “Christmas gift” we had to have something to give them. But if we slid into the yard and went to shooting those firecrackers and ringing them cowbells-that big old bell that you could hear all over the mountains- and holler and whooping until they got up and then they brought us in and had to treat us with fruits and candies and stuff and maybe then some of them joined us and we’d go on to the next house.” Christmas Bonfire A raucous night of serenading was capped off by a large bonfire, usually on a hill so that it could be seen for miles. The young people from the community would gather at the fire for hours in the earliest of hours on Christmas morning. Feeling Feeling Nostalgic? Nostalgic? We have a curated collection of: Vintage Toys Ads Antiques Collectibles Vintage Ornaments Christmas Decorations Antique Tools And More! 294 West Main Ave Taylorsville (828) 352-9500
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14 Hearing a Cat’s Meow Hearing a cat meow on Christmas Eve attracts evil spirits to you for the duration of the year, according to many old-time Appalachian residents. Santa’s Letters Appalachian children wrote letters to Santa, like many other children in the world. However, it was difficult to get to a post office, so children were taught to burn their letters in the fireplace. Fairies would then carry the letter to Santa Claus. Christmas Baking It was said that any baking you did on Christmas day would be imbibed with healing powers. Because of that, women baked dense, preservable items on that day that could enjoyed throughout the year. Minced Meat Pies People did a lot of visiting during the holidays, and serving minced meat pies to your holiday guests was an absolute must. Nowadays, there is not meat in the pies, but originally they were made most often of mutton, but also beef, rabbit, pork or game. Apple Stack Cakes would also suffice. It was good luck to serve your guests these treats. To ensure the best possible luck throughout the year, it was important to have visits from twelve neighbors on Christmas day.
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The Weather on Christmas Appalachian farmers thought that the weather on Christmas day could predict the weather for the coming year. If it was windy, it would be a good year for growing. If it was green, it would snow on Easter, and a warm Christmas signaled a cold Easter. Double Yolks on Christmas The women spent a lot of time in the kitchen in preparation for Christmas. One tradition held that if a woman found two yolks in an egg she broke for Christmas food, she’d have twins in the coming year. Modern statistics say that about one in a thousand eggs has a double yolk and one out of 250 natural pregnancies results in twins. We like this superstition much better than the Norse version. They think a double-yolked egg means an impending death in the family. Animals Kneeling Some Appalachian people swore that animals knelt at midnight on Christmas Eve, and that they talked. It was bad luck to hear them talking, though, so don’t try to sneak up on your animals! Listening to the Pigs It was said that if a single girl wanted to know about the man she’d eventually marry, she should visit pigs at midnight on Christmas. The first one to make a sound was meant to represent her future mate. A fat pig represented wealth, and a young pig represented a young, virile man. Rooster Crowing on Christmas Eve It was a tremendously good omen to hear a rooster crowing on Christmas Eve. It’s said to ward off evil spirits all year long.
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Moonshine Moonshine is an Appalachian staple and it’s never been unpopular. But historically, Christmas sales put all other sales to shame. Moonshine was not only the drink of preference for most people’s holiday events, it was also a very popular gift. Even bosses gave moonshine to their employees. Firing Shotguns In Kentucky, people used canons to ring in Christmas, but in North Carolina, shotguns were the noise- maker of choice. Gun shots rang out all across the country side. This was one of the most common ways to celebrate. Bringing Home the Meat These days, we have a lot of “traditional” meals that we make during the holidays, but our ancestors cooked what they hunted. The Christmas hunt was important, and hunters were most keen to find wild boars. Turkeys were also an excellent find, as was deer. If they didn’t successfully hunt these animals, they would kill one of their hens or use a preserved country ham. You can still find hints of these traditions in the way we celebrate today. Themes of community and family are the thread weaving together Christmases past and present. f D
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21 Christmas Fiddlin'’ “Breaking Up Christmas,” played by Tara Nevins “Christmas Eve,” played by Jerry Correll “The Yule Fiddler,” by Patty Gurdy feat. Fiddler’s Green “On Christmas Eve,” by Roger Howell “Away in a Manger,” by Tigar Bell “Fiddle for Christmas,” by Glen Duncan “Christmas Morning,” by Lee Hammons “Christmas Fiddle Medley: Good King Wenceslas / Boil Them Cabbages / Redwing / Jingle Bells,” by the Miller Family
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23 Each year, some 4 million Christmas trees are sold in North Carolina. 99.4% of those trees are Fraser firs, the “Cadillac of Christmas Trees.” Fraser firs earned this illustrious nickname because they have soft, pleasant-to-touch needles, incomparable needle retention, long-lasting aroma, and more pliable yet stronger branches for heavy ornaments. The popular Christmas trees are sold to people in every US state, plus the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Japan, and other countries. Fraser firs were discovered by John Fraser, a Scottish botanist who explored the southern Appalachian Mountains in the late 1700s. The species is very similar to balsam firs, but their geographical areas do not overlap. Locally, Fraser firs are sometimes called “she balsams.” This is because the trees have resin filled blisters on the trunks that can be “milked.” Fraser firs are gorgeous trees which grow into symmetrical cones up to 80-feet-tall. Their branches grow upward, creating a nice, compact shape that works well for a Christmas tree. About 1,300 North Carolina farms are responsible for the 4 million trees sold here annually. Farming Fraser firs is slow work. It takes about twelve years for a Fraser fir to grow to 10 feet tall. After a full year of growing, the tree is only about the size of a quarter. It takes seven years for the tree to become conical. This slow growth cycle means that growing Fraser firs requires a lot of land. North CaRolina FRasER Fir North CaRolina FRasER Fir
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25 The Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel is endangered and hyper-local. They are nocturnal animals and they nest in the Fraser firs. Weller’s Salamanders are also very localized. They are mostly found near Grandfather Mountain and have unique metallic spotting. They thrive in the cool weather in western North Carolina. They live in spruce and fir forests and farms, and the abundant Fraser firs are helping the species survive. Unfortunately, Fraser firs are being threatened by a tiny invader. The threat is severe, in fact, and Fraser firs are an endangered Interestingly, the Fraser fir grows only in very localized areas of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. They only grow naturally above 4,500 feet elevation but can be cultivated at 2,500 feet. The cool temperatures and rainfall in the North Carolina High Country are what causes the Fraser fir to keep its needles throughout the Christmas season. The map at left shows the places that Fraser fir grows naturally. In North Carolina, our Christmas trees are located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey Counties. In addition to being a very important industry for North Carolina, Fraser firs are a vital habitat for some rare animals.
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27 species. The balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny furry insect, is responsible for the deaths of great swaths of Fraser fir trees. When the non-native insect was first introduced in the 1980s, it killed up to 80% of mature trees. The areas where the trees died were replanted, and the trees are maturing nicely, however, when they are mature, there is no guarantee that the insects will not attack them again, so the future of the industry is a bit unstable. Most scientists are hopeful, and some of the forests have grown to maturity and have not been attacked by the insect. The Southern Appalachian spruce–fir forest encompasses much of western North Carolina, and it’s the natural habitat of the Fraser firs. It is classified as a temperate rain forest. The regrowth of Fraser firs in the natural forests are a great indicator that the species is bouncing back. Even though the Fraser firs are endangered, they are incredibly popular and well-loved. A full 25% of live Christmas trees in the nation are grown right here in our home state. This Christmas, skip the artificial tree and visit a tree farm! See the tree farm guide at the end of this article for a full listing of western Carolina tree farms.
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28 The White House has had more Christmas trees from North Carolina than anywhere else. Each year a contest is held to select the tree for the White House, and North Carolina often wins. Excitingly, this year, a North Carolina tree has been chosen again! 2018, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2005, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1990, 1984, 1982, 1973, and 1971 featured North Carolina Fraser firs in the Blue Room of the White House. When this happens, it’s an event to celebrate, and the delivery of the Christmas tree is quite an event. It is delivered from North Carolina in a large tractor trailer and brought to the White House on a horse-drawn wagon. The media meets watches as the first lady accepts the Christmas tree. In the picture bottom left, First Lady Laura Bush gave a short speech as the Christmas tree arrived. She said, “We’re so thrilled that this
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29 beautiful tree and huge Fraser fir behind me -- you can see how big it is -- is from Mistletoe Farm in North Carolina, from Joe Freeman and Linda Jones are the growers of it, and it’s a tree that he’s been growing there at the farms for the last 19 years.” She continued, “We’re all thrilled that it’s going to be here in the Blue Room. As you all know, we have to remove the chandelier from the Blue Room because the tree is so big. And the decorators are all inside right now, the florists who come from around the country to decorate every year at the White House. And so they’ll be ready to set the tree up as soon as it gets moved in and to start decorating the tree.” Each year, this holiday tradition follows the same steps, and it’s often that North Carolina tree farms are honored by having their tree selected by the National Christmas Tree Growers, who hold a contest each year to choose the best tree for the White House.
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30 First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama with their trees, and Trump’s 2018 tree. All trees are shown in the Blue Room of the White House.
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32 tREe Farms There are 1,300 Fraser fir farms in western North Carolina. We can’t list all of them, but these are some of our favorite pick-your-own Christmas tree farms. Appalachian Evergreens, Inc. 828.264.1609 620 Sampson Road Boone Avery Farms / Trinity Tree Company 828.733.5052 615 Avery Lane Plumtree Bear Valley Farm 828.736.1405 231 Bee Tree Rd Glenville Boyd Mountain Tree Farm 828.926.8888 445 Boyd Farm Rd Waynesville C & J Christmas Trees 828.386.6221 1999 Brookshire Rd Boone Cartner Christmas Tree Farm 828.733.1641 901 Balsam Drive Newland
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33 Christmas Corner CNC 828.733.4850 204 White Pine Rd Newland Circle C Tree Farms 828.265.7504 372 Will Cook Road Boone Clawson’s Tree Farm 828.719.6395 4805 194 N Boone Cranberry Creek Farms 336-908-5439 1777 N Burnt Hill Rd Laurel Springs Dutch Cove Tree Farm 828.400.0806 280 Setzer Drive Canton Fir Heaven Sake Tree Farm 828.361.4350 40 Fir Heaven Sake Lane Topton Frosty Trees 828.656.8100 13623 Hwy 212 Marshall Frosty’s Choose & Cut 800.238.8733 2152 Beaver Creek School Rd West Jefferson Helms Christmas Tree Farm 704.276.1835 6345 Christmas Tree Lane Vale Jonas Ridge Tree Farm 828.733.4654 8040 Joe Poore Rd Jonas Ridge Lil’ Grandfather Choose & Cut 336.372.9613 15371 NC Hwy 18 South Laurel Springs WMehaffey Tree Farm 828.476.8505 24 Corner Drive Waynesville Mistletoe Meadows Christmas Trees 336.465.9754 583 Burnt Hill Road Laurel Springs Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm 828.719.6395 368 Panoramic Lane Boone Pressley Tree Farm LLC 828.743.2275 770 Shirley Pressley Rd. Glenville Reece Farm 828.898.5642 241 John Jones Rd Elk Park Sandy Hollar Farms 828.683.3645 63 Sandy Hollar Lane Leicester Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm 828.400.2933 756 Hemphill Road Waynesville Snow Creek Christmas Trees 828.385.2388 447 Wilson Rd Bakersville f D
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34 Santa Santa climbs climbs C C himney himney R R ock ock F F or over 20 years, Santa has or over 20 years, Santa has been been preparing for his big night by preparing for his big night by climbing down one of the largest climbing down one of the largest natural chimneys in the world. natural chimneys in the world. Photo by Jerry Wolford and Scott Muthersbaugh
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36 C himney Rock is a 315-foot-tall granite monolith located in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The towering landmark is surrounded by an 8000+ square foot state park called Chimney Rock State Park. The monolith is affectionately called “The Rock.” This year, the festive tradition will continue on December 4th and 11th from 11am to 2pm. Come watch Santa make his descent with assistance from his special helpers at Fox Mountain Guides and enjoy an afternoon of holiday fun. Santa will rappel down The Rock. Rappeling means to descend a rock face or other near- vertical surface by using a doubled rope coiled around the body and fixed at a higher point. Visitors to the park throughout the year can also experience rappelling. The park offers private instruction from AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) Certified Instructors and Guides. An assortment of other activities will be offered, including guided hikes with elves, a visit from live animal ambassadors, making s’mores over a bonfire, and holiday shopping at the gift shops. Warm snacks and holiday treats will also be available for purchase. Local poet Eddie Cabbage will also be available to help kids put together their Christmas wish lists. Using his vintage typewriter, Cabbage will type up a one-of-a-kind, personalized wish list that kids can either mail to Santa or keep as a memento. Holiday tunes will also be provided by local musicians. Santa on the Chimney is included with Park admission which is $17 for adults, $8 for youth ages 5-15, and free for children under 5.
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37 ENJOYING THIS ISSUE? ENJOYING THIS ISSUE? YOUR FRIENDS WILL TOO! YOUR FRIENDS WILL TOO! C heck out our Christmas specials online at foothillsdigest.com. Subscriptions are the gift that gives 4 different times. Our Christmas specials include cards that announce the subscription that can be mailed to you or to your loved one. (828) 475-1323
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38 Biltmore CHRISTMAS AT
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39 Story by Carmen Eckard Photography provided by the Biltmore Estate On Christmas Eve in 1895, George Vanderbilt welcomed friends and family to his newly built home, the Biltmore Estate. The home was marvelously and luxuriously decorated for Christmas, and it featured four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. It was lavish, opulent, and lush by any standard. In fact, it was the largest private home in the world. The 250 room palace was filled with art and furniture from around the world. It also featured magnificent 16th century tapestries, a library with 10,000 volumes, a Banquet Hall with a 70- foot ceiling, an indoor pool, and a bowling alley. The house also featured 19th- century novelties such as electric elevators, forced- air heating, centrally controlled clocks, fire alarms, and a call-bell system, as well as an electric generator that could create AC or DC power. While most people in the Appalachian mountains were still using outhouses and spring boxes, the Biltmore Estate stood as an oasis of luxury.
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40 Biltmore Estate is no longer a private residence, but it’s known as America’s Largest Home®. Now, the estate is open for tourists, with tickets available at www.biltmore.com. While the estate is beautiful all year round, with many things to do, Christmas is when it shines the brightest. Literally. T h e r e a r e 135,000 lights around the estate, with 45,000 more in the house, as well as 250 c a n d l e s . 2 5 0 luminaries line the walk to the house, and the result is a beautiful, twinkling scene. There are 62 Christmas trees inside Biltmore, but there’s one that gets most of the attention: a 35 foot tall Fraser fir that is in the Banquet room, shown on these pages. It takes about 50 Biltmore staff members to bring in the tree, which must be hoisted to its final position before being decorated. There are 500 ornaments and 500 lights on this tree. The decorated tree is breathtaking. This year the festivities run from November 8th to January 8th. Tickets are for a daytime OR an evening experience. While both have their advantages, the evening experience is positively magical. Between the flickering fireplaces and the twinkling lights, you’ll feel like a guest at the original 1895 opening. We wondered how a tree could last from November to January without drying out. It turns out, it doesn’t. About half way through, the tree isn’t looking its best. A new tree is brought in, in the middle of the night, and staffers work through until opening, replacing all 500 ornaments. The staff members stay busy during the season. Each evening they must light 250 luminaries, then extinguish them at closing. 1,000 seasonal plants, plus over 1000 poinsettias require special care and attention. Each week, evergreens on the property are cut to make fresh swags to decorate the Grand Staircase and other places. There are about 1,000 feet of swags and garland throughout the house. Over 200 wreaths must also be kept fresh throughout the season. The estate hires 10 full-time floral designers and 5 part-time floral staff members. Other departments assist the floral department during the Christmas season. Biltmore Estate has always depended
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43 on a robust staff. From its earliest years, Biltmore was considere d an excellent place to work. The family paid New York wages for North Carolina work and took excellent care of their staff, building churches and schools and providing housing. Fo r t u n at e l y, G e o r g e Vanderbilt was also concerned about the state of the forests he loved so much. He was an excellent steward of the land and he hired Gifford Pinchot and later Carl Alwin Schenck as professional foresters, and in 1898 Schenck opened the country’s first forestry school on the property. George Vanderbilt died in 1914. The estate was first opened to the public in 1930, and it became a popular tourist destination very quickly. In 1963, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. In 1971, the family added a vineyard which is now the most visited vineyard in the nation. Annually, 1.4 million people visit the home. And truly, it’s easy to understand why. The home is beautiful, breathtaking and decadent. It’s a must see for every Foothills resident. f D
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44 Van Gogh Alive at Biltmore Estate November 5, 2021 - March 5, 2022 His masterworks have been displayed around the world for over a century… but never like this. Described as “an unforgettable multi-sensory experience,” Van Gogh Alive is a powerful and vibrant symphony of light, color, sound, and scent that compels you to leave the world behind and immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s paintings. Simultaneously enchanting, entertaining, and educational, Van Gogh Alive stimulates all the senses and opens the mind. Explore the work and life experiences of this prolific artist during the period 1880 to 1890. Interpret his thoughts, feelings and state of mind during his time in Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise, the locations where he created
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45 many of his timeless masterpieces. See these works in hyper-fine detail, with special attention paid to key features, allowing you time to study color and technique. Photographs and video have also been augmented with Van Gogh’s works to demonstrate his sources of inspiration. Synchronized to a powerful classical score, Van Gogh images at enormous scale create a thrilling display that fills giant screens, walls, columns, ceilings and even the floor – immersing you entirely in the vibrant colors and vivid details that constitute Van Gogh’s unique style. Available during Christmas at Biltmore, access to this exhibition is included with either Audio- Guided Visit Plus or Expert-Guided Plus admission.
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46 national gingErbREad House COmpetition This year marks the 29th annual National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. Entries will be submitted from all over the world, and they must adhere to the following rules: except for the base, entries must be constructed of edible materials. The main structure should be at least 75% gingerbread, some of which should be exposed. Edible materials are not limited to candies and icings. Entries are judged on five criteria: overall appearance, originality and creativity, difficulty, precision, and consistency of theme. The competition will be held on November 22nd. Winners will be displayed from November 28th to January 2nd, and the top twelve finalists’ houses will be shared on social media, one per day, from December 1st to the 12th. Shown above is the work of Beatriz Muller. She’s based in Ontario Canada, and she competes in the competition each year. Above, from left to right, are her 2019 entry (2nd place), her 2016 entry (1st place) and her 2017 entry (3rd place). Omni Grove Park Inn also offers a series of gingerbread making classes that you can access online at www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/gingerbread/baking-spirits-bright.
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48 The Nutcracker The Nutcracker is a beloved Christmas ballet, and it’s performed each year at several locations in western North Carolina. It is, perhaps, the most recognizable ballet for most Americans, and it’s a holiday tradition for so many families. The Great Russian Nutcracker is the can’t miss performance of the year. The Moscow Ballet is a top-tier ballet company, and their international tour can’t be beat. Catch it in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, or Asheville. Check the schedule and buy tickets at www.nutcracker.com/ buy-tickets/north-carolina. The University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts also puts on an impressive performance each year. The show runs December 10-19 and you can find out more at www.uncsa.edu/ performances/nutcracker. In Charlotte, at the Belk Theatre at Blumenthal Arts Center, you’ll find another annual performance. It’s very well attended and runs throughout most of the month of December. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra provides the live music. Find out more at www.blumenthalarts.org. Don’t miss the Asheville Ballet Company’s take on the classic. The organization is the oldest ballet nonprofit in the state, and the performances are December 10th-12th. Find out more at www.ashevilleballet. com. The Nutcracker Ballet is wildly popular and in any given year, you can find dozens of dance studios and schools producing their own versions of the play. Your own small town likely has a performance. Check them out! You may be watching future stars. We are particularly keen on Studio K’s production each year at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Listen to the full musical s c o r e b y scanning this QR code.
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P a r a d e s P a r a d e s There’s nothing that can get you in the mood for Christmas quite like a Christmas parade. Did you know they are a relic of ancient times? In the late Medieval and Renaissance eras, Roman Triumphs were held. These events had music, dancing, banners, and wagons filled with the things they’d gathered during wars. At the end of the parade, a Dux (Latin for “leader”) would ride in a Chariot. In modern days, we’ve replaced the Dux with Santa, but the heart and soul of a parade and a triumph are the same. We’ve scoured the region, and these are some can’t miss parades. Lincolnton Christmas Parade: Sunday, November 14, 4 PM. Court Square, Lincolnton, NC Hickory Christmas Parade: Friday, November 19. Union Square, Hickory NC Asheville Christmas Parade: Saturday, November 20, 11 AM. Downtown Asheville, NC West Jefferson Christmas Parade: Saturday, November 20, 3 PM. West Jefferson, NC Sparta Christmas Parade: Saturday, November 27, 2 PM. Downtown Sparta, NC Cowboy Christmas: Saturday, November 27, 6:30 PM. Love Valley, NC Magic on Main: Saturday, November 27, 5:30. Andrews, NC Blowing Rock Christmas Parade: Saturday, November 27. Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC Highlands Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 4, 11 AM. Highlands, NC Taylorsville Christmas Parade: December 4. Taylorsville, NC West Jefferson Holiday Parade: Saturday, December 4, 3 PM. Downtown West Jefferson Wilkesboro Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 4, 3 PM. Downtown North Wilkesboro, NC
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52 A Very Murphy Christmas: Saturday, December 4, 6 PM. 5 Wofford St, Murphy, NC All Jeep Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 4, 6 PM. 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC Pilot Mountain Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 4, 5:30 PM. 124 W Main Street, Pilot Mountain, NC Annual Valdese Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 4, 3 PM. 100 Main St W Valdese, NC Burnsville Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 4. Burnsville, NC Starry Nights Christmas Parade: Monday, December 6, 6:30 PM. 801 West Ave NW, Lenoir NC Morganton Christmas Parade: Tuesday, December 7, 6 PM. 110 E Meeting Street, Morganton, NC Tryon Christmas Parade: Wednesday, December 8 112 N Trade St Steet, Tryon, NC Robbinsville Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 11, 1 PM. Robbinsville Middle School, 301 Sweetwater Rd Shelby Christmas Parade: Sunday, December 19. Downtown Shelby, NC Parades not yet scheduled at time of printing: Boone, Elkin, Beech Mountain’s first ever Christmas Parade We believe learning is hands hands-on. That’s why we stuff our kids magazine full of activities that help make learning more fun. Our goal is to get our kids magazines in the hands of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders of western NC for free. You can help! Call 828.475.1323 or visit our Facebook page to make a donation!
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54 Nativities Nothing makes the Christmas story come to life like a live nativity. Fortunately, you have several opportunities to visit one this year. Waynesville On the evening of December eleventh in Downtown Waynesville, visit the Living Nativity sponsored by First Baptist Church. Charlotte The Billy Graham Library has a live nativity that runs from November 29th to December 23rd. Mondays through Thursdays, you can visit between 5 and 9 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open until 10 and they are closed on Sundays. Thomasville Journey to Bethlehem is located at 345 Faith Chapel Road. It runs December 1 through 5 from 6 to 9 each evening. Monroe At Lee Park Church, 2491 Morgan Mill Road, Monroe, there will be a live nativity on December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Mooresville Walk Thru Bethlehem will be at Camp Wesley, 3090 Deal Road on December 10th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and December 11th from 2 to 9 PM.
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55 A ppalachian C hristmas Get in the holiday spirit with a weekend getaway this winter at Earthshine Lodge in Lake Toxaway, NC. Brunch with Santa in a mountaintop lodge, a llama meet and greet, blacksmithing and candle making at the educational pioneer village, two roaring stone fireplaces, a holiday pajama party, ornament making, cookie decorating and more...families and friends can make mountains of memories at Earthshine Lodge’s all-inclusive Appalachian Christmas, offered weekends in December. Whether you are starting a new holiday tradition or are in the area to pick up a tree, Earthshine Lodge provides a beautiful mountaintop setting and entertainment for the whole family. Reservations can be made at earthshinenc.com or by calling 828-862-4207. Appalachian Christmas packages include lodging for up to four guests in one Earthshine’s cozy lodge rooms or cottage units, each with a majestic mountain or forest view. Guests also get hearty, homecooked mountain breakfasts and dinners and a weekend full of activities. Kids love the hot chocolate bar and grown-ups can relax by the fire with a glass of Earthshine’s famous mulled wine. Don’t forget your camera - the elves will have decked the halls, complete with a gorgeous Christmas tree by the fireplace, and, of course, Santa will be ready to get his picture taken with all the kids - and the kids-at-heart, too! Guests can also explore Earthshine’s private trails and soak up mountain views on the 76-acre property, surrounded by Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. Earthshine Lodge is an outdoor education and retreat center that also provides vacation and summer stays for guests, drawing on a long tradition of outdoor adventure, family togetherness, fun, discovery, and relaxation to give guests a totally unique experience, where guests return year after year to enjoy the special magic of the mountaintop. 1600 Golden Road, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747 Phone: 828-862-4207 | Email: info@EarthshineNC.com
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56 You don’t have to travel very far to find yourself in the middle of a twinkling wonderland. The foothills and mountains of North Carolina offer truly spectacular light shows. How many have you visited? Dazzling Dazzling
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57 Lights Lights
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58 Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights From November 12th until January 1, visit Tanglewood Park, for their spectacular light show. Visit between 6 and 10 PM. Tickets for the drive-thru experience (shown at left) are $20 per car. Plan ahead for a wait. This attraction is popular! If you aren’t keen on waiting, plan your visit away from Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. While you’re there, visit S’moresville, where you can roast marshmallows. (336)703-6400 Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum This walk-thru experience stands out because they take care to be artful in their light designs. The designers are cognizant of form, balance, color and other elements of art, and the resulting lighting displays are beautiful. See the image at the bottom left of the page. A 50-foot tall tree adds an undeniable aspect of cheer and their Quilt garden is popular. Pricing and scheduling varies, so visit their website at www.ncarboretum.org/ winter-lights. North Carolina Arboretum Tanglewood Park
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59 Christmastown USA For more than half a century, McAdenville, once an industrious mill village, has transformed itself annually into Christmastown USA. Last Year, USA today did a Nationwide poll and named Christmastown the 4th best spot to view public Christmas lights. They’ve actually ranked as high as #2 on the same list in the past. There’s no charge to view the lights, and the display is massive. The lights stay on until 10 PM, and if possible, you’ll want to go Monday through Wednesday. You can visit any evening but it gets very crowded on the weekends. You can walk or drive, but we recommend walking. The route is 1.3 miles long, and driving through on weekends can take up to an hour. There’s only one route through town while the Christmas trees are lit, and the lights are spectacular every step of the way. The tree lighting ceremony is on December 1, and we think that’s a great way to kick off the holiday season! On December 16th, they will light the yule log, with a small parade proceeding. The whole affair is steeped in tradition. Town of Forest City
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Town of Forest City The Town of Forest City puts out all the stops at Christmastime. With over a million lights on main street, the downtown attracts people from all over the state. Go for the lights, stay for the ice skating and the horse-drawn carriage rides. The festivities kick off on December 4 and carry on throughout the month. The Waldensian Trail of Lights The Waldensian Trail of Faith in Valdese hosts an annual light display. It begins the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve. You can walk or drive through. Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries This event happens the first two Fridays and Saturdays in December. Downtown is lit up, and 2,500 luminaries line the streets and shop and studio owners provide hot cider. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well! We also tip our hats to the individuals and families all over the foothills who decorate their properties in elaborate fashion. There are too many for us to name, but if you drive around your town, you’re sure to find one! f D Christmastown Christmastown Forest City
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We are the preferred providers of oral surgery, wisdom teeth and dental implants for many area employers. No matter where you live or work, you’re close to one of our office Visit our website at www.omsdrs.com . Welcome to the newest member of our practice, Jesse Onekhena, DMD, MD
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62 THE POLAR EXPRESS THE POLAR EXPRESS The Polar Express is a children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg and published in 1985. It became an instant holiday classic, and it was adapted into a computer animated major motion picture in 2004. The story is pure Christmas magic, and anyone with small children should be very excited for the opportunity to recreate it. In North Carolina, there are two Polar Express opportunities. Children should dress in pajamas for the best experience. North Carolina Transportation Museum November 12-13, 19-21, & 26-28 and December 3-5, 9-12, & 14-23 Located in Spencer, North Carolina. Call (704)-636-2889 or visit www.nctransportationmuseum.org/the-polar-express-train-ride/. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad November 12-14, 17-24, & 30-31 and December 1-24, 26-31 Located in Bryson City, North Carolina. Call (800)-872-4681 for reservations, or visit www.gsmr.com/events/polar-express/.
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64 Eat. Eat. Drink Drink.. Be Merry. Be Merry.
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67 Roasted Turkey • 4 apples • 2 oranges • 2 onions • 3 TBS each fresh thyme, tarragon, sage and parsley • 1 cup of butter • 1 bunch of celery • 2 carrots Remove giblets, wash the turkey and pat it dry. Gently separate the skin from the turkey. Mix the herbs and butter, and apply the mixture between the skin and the meat. Preheat your oven to 450°. Coarsely chop your fruits and vegetables and insert them into the cavity of the turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with foil. Cook for half an hour, then reduce heat to 330°. Cook for about 4 hours, until your meat thermometer says 180°. About an hour before the turkey is done, remove your foil. Let it rest for not one second under 30 minutes. There’s no need to baste, because you’ve added a lot of moisture. Enjoy! Star Anise Poached Pears • Water • pears, peeled • 1/2 cup sugar • 3 star anise • 1 cinnamon stick • 4 whole cloves • 1/2 of a vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise or tsp of vanilla extract Add sugar, 3 TBS of water, star anise, clove, cinnamon and vanilla to a pan and gently heat. Note: star anise tastes like licorice, so if you don’t like that flavor, just leave those out. The other spices will blend nicely without the star anise as well. Once your sugar has melted, turn the heat to high and let the mixture boil, without stirring, for about 8 or 9 minutes. Every once in a while, wet the sides of the pan and swirl the mixture around, so it doesn’t burn. Once the mixture turns a deep caramel color, take it off the heat and add 1 1/4 cups of water, which will bubble, then calm down. Bring back to a simmer and stir until the caramel dissolves. Add your peeled pears to the mixture and cover. Cook until they are tender, turning them every 5 minutes or so. Remove the pears, and set aside, but cook the syrup for about 5 more minutes. Pour over the pears and serve.
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69 Dry-aged Haunch of Venison Venison tends to dry out when you cook it, and there are several techniques to avoid that. Our favorite is dry-aging the meat. There’s solid science behind why this makes the meat so tender, so you’ll want to consider giving it a try. The basic idea of dry-aging is to keep the meat at 34°- 37° for 18-21 days. The easiest way to do this is to use a “garage fridge,” take out the shelves, and hang the meat so it doesn’t touch any surfaces. Once you’ve aged your meat, you can roast it like you would a prime rib. You can use any blend of herbs that you’d like to coat your meat before you cook it. We like sage, thyme and parsley, with salt and pepper. Heat your oven to 500° and roast for 15 minutes. Then turn the heat to 325° and cook for about 13 minutes per pound of roast. Be sure to let it rest before you serve. Roasted Vegetables Both the mushroom dish to the left and the vegetable dish below are cooked using the same technique. Slice your vegetables or mushrooms, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and fresh herbs of your choosing. Balsamic vinegar is also appropriate. Cook at 425° for 10-15 minutes, depending on your vegetables.
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71 Roasted Caramel Apples • 4 apples • 1 cup rolled oats • ¼ cup brown sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ¼ cup butter • 8 caramel toffees • 4 cinnamon sticks • 4 star anise Preheat the oven to 350°. Core your apples, then remove a bit extra, forming a cup. Mix the oats, sugar and ground cinnamon together and then cut in the butter. Scoop this mixture into the apples. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Bake for about 25 minutes then add 2 toffees to each apple. Bake for 5 more minutes, until the toffees are melted then remove the apples to a cooling rack. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and star anise and serve warm. This is very lovely served with hot apple cider.
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72 Moravian Cookies • ½ cup brown sugar • ¾ teaspoon soda • ½ teaspoon salt • ¾ teaspoon ginger & cloves & cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg • ¼ teaspoon allspice • 1 cup molasses • ½ cup shortening • 4 cups all-purpose flour Whisk together dry ingredients, except flour and spices. Bring the molasses to a boil (watch closely) and immediately remove from heat, add the shortening, and stir until it is melted. Beat in the sugar mixture and then one cup of flour. Remove and need the rest of the flour into the dough by hand, then roll into a ball and store overnight. Preheat oven to 375° and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough thin, then cut it with cookie cutters. Moravian cookies are usually rolled paper thin, and cut with a standard cookie cutter, but if you roll them a little thicker, the cookies will stand up to adding royal icing.
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75 Royal Icing • 3 large eggs • 4 cups confectioners sugar • water Separate the egg whites carefully. Even the smallest bit of yolk with ruin the science behind the meringue. Beat them until they are frothy, using a whisk attachment. Then add 1/4 cup of sugar. Incorporate that, then add the rest of the sugar and beat for about 5 minutes, until nice peaks form. At this stage, your icing will be very thick, and you can drizzle water into your mixture until it is the consistency you need. Then, pipe designs onto your cookies. The icing dries very hard. You can also color with food coloring. This makes excellent “glue” for gingerbread houses, and it’s used in all sorts of novelty baking recipes. Below, an ice cream cone is placed upside down on a cupcake and the green royal icing is used to decorate a Christmas Tree. *Please note that this recipe uses raw eggs, and caution should be taken. Italian Anise Cake ’ • 1 teaspoon shortening • 3 1/2 cups flour • 4 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1 cup softened butter • 4 eggs, beaten • 1/3 cup orange juice • 1/3 cup milk • 2 tablespoons anise extract • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 1 drop lemon extract • 1 cup chopped dates Preheat oven to 350° and grease a bundt pan. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and butter together until they are creamy, then mix in eggs. Combine orange juice and milk, then pour into the sugar mixture. Stir in the flour mixture, anise, and lemon extract until well combined. Lastly, fold in the nuts and dates. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack. A simple glaze of milk and confectioners sugar can be poured on.
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77 DRINKS J ames Vinson is our favorite bartender. You’ll find him behind the bar at the Charolais Steakhouse in Hickory. He’s a cocktail enthusiast who is excited about the holiday season. And people are excited about his holiday drinks. His eggnog brings all the Santas to the yard. We asked him for drinks that will warm us up and remind us of Christmas. Man O ’ War • 3 oz high quality bourbon • .75 oz Licor 43 • .5 oz Campari • Dash of Habanero syrup • Lemon Zest Shake all and serve over the rocks. Add orange garnish. Notes: This drink was named by a customer after a Kentucky Derby winner.
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78 Eggy Wegg Eggnog • 6 large eggs, separated • 3 cups of milk • 1 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup of white sugar • 1/4 cup bourbon • 2 tablespoons of brandy or cognac • 2 Tablespoons of dark rum • 1/2 teaspoon fresh nutmeg This is a method exercise, but the effort really pays off in the end. First, separate the egg yolks into a medium Pyrex bowl and place this owl over a pot of gently simmering water. Add 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of white sugar to the yolks, and whisk until pale yellow and thickened, probably around 5 minutes. Whisk in the milk, bourbon, brandy and rum. Transfer this mixture to a larger container. Whisk the egg whites with 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons of white sugar until stiff, white peaks develop. Combine the egg whites with the egg yolk mixture. Lightly whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken slightly, and then combine the cream with the egg mixture and the nutmeg. Thoroughly chill the eggnog and enjoy. Bourbon Wassail Punch • 32 oz high quality apple cider • 15-20 oz Seventeen Twelve Bourbon • 2 lemons, thinly sliced • 3 Star Anise pods, whole • 1 cinnamon stick • 1/2 vanilla bean, split down the middle • A couple of gratings of nutmeg from the microplane Slow heat is the key to success with an apple cider punch. Scorching the cider will produce unlovely flavors. Add all nonalcoholic ingredients to a heavy-bottomed pot, or slow cooker. These should be allowed to cook for at least 30 minutes. The quality of the apple cider truly impacts the overall taste of the recipe. One can add the bourbon at the end of the cooking period, or to mugs or glasses individually. One to one and a half ounces per serving.
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80 Dixie Flatline • 3 oz high quality bourbon • 1/2 oz of Amaro Montenegre Italiano • 1/2 oz of simple syrup • A slight dash of Orange Bitters • A slight dash of Angostura Bitters Stir all for approximately 30 seconds, and then strain into a rocks glass over ice. I like a thin orange zest to emulate the flatline. Notes: This is one of my all- time favorites. It’s essentially simple, which for me, adds to the elegance. I named it after a character in William Gibson’s novel, Neuromancer . The Dixie Flatline in the novel was a hard copy, brain mapping of one of the best hackers. He had a reputation for going through firewalls so treacherous that his EKG would flatline. Amaro is essentially a bittersweet liqueur with herbal characteristics. The amaro world is rich and fascinating, but it’s basically a digestif with a low alcohol content, usually between 10% and 40% by volume.
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81 Chinato Manhattan • 3 oz high quality bourbon • 1oz Chinato (Barolo Chinato works well) • Heavy dash of Angostura Bitters, or whichever type you prefer Stir all ingredients together in ice for about 30 seconds, or until well-chilled. Serve up on ice with an Amarena Cherry. Notes: Chinato (key- NOT-o) is a rich Italian wine that falls somewhere on the scale between vermouth and Amaro. There are plenty on the market and, as with all things, the quality of the ingredients will be represented in the cocktail. Chinato gets its bitterness from chinchona, which is the bark that produces quinine, so this drink is basically medicine.
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82 Sparta Candle Co. Sparta Candle Co. Downtown Sparta has gotten a little more exciting lately. That’s because of the addition of Sparta Candle Company, a delightful retail store located in the heart of downtown. This is a store with a very clear sense of place. It couldn’t exist anywhere except the rolling mountains of southern Appalachia. The store clearly celebrates the mountains. As you peruse the offerings, you’ll find candles and soaps that are named after the geographical features, communities and traditions of western North Carolina. The company makes candles of extremely high quality. They are made of soy and each is hand-poured inside the working studio/storefront. If you catch the workers
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at the right time, you can watch them as they craft the candles. Owner Jennifer Swenk concentrates on making sure her customers have a top- notch shopping experience. From the design of the store to the “husband parking,” Sparta Candle Company shines. I asked her what makes her company stand out. She says, “We focus on creating and sourcing sustainable, high quality items and creating an upscale shopping atmosphere for our community - something we’ve found our locals have really been starved for over the years.”
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84 Shopping at Sparta Candle Company is an olfactory experience not to be missed. We have a lot of favorites, but the Firefly line tickled us, since synchronous fireflies have recently been discovered in the area. It smells like cedarwood, ginger and lime, but it feels like sitting on your porch and watching a glorious firefly show. We also love the High Country line. Available in soap or a candle, it celebrates our heritage as one of the nation’s top producers of Fraser firs. It also features notes of cardamom and cedar, and it reminds us of walking through snowy woods. Of course, at Christmastime, you can’t go wrong with Spruce and Holly. It also features Fraser fir, as well as oranges and cloves. If this issue of Foothills Digest had a smell, we imagine it would smell like Spruce and Holly. In addition to the high-quality candles, the store also sells other items that would make lovely Christmas gifts. There is a full line of soaps, but you’ll also find hand- crafted gifts with mountain themes, including pottery, children’s toys, jewelry, and even clothing. The highly curated collection is big on style and mountain vibes. Owner Jennifer Swenk is also concerned with making sure her employees are happy and healthy. She says, We’re female owned and led, and we’re passionate about paying a living wage. We’re the first and only workplace in Sparta with a $15 minimum wage for every single position, regardless of experience or education. Jennifer’s plan is working, because the atmosphere in Sparta Candle Company is
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86 one of cooperation. The women are working together for a common goal that everyone is on-board with. They seem happy to see you because they are, and they are happy to be doing their job, as well. That makes such a difference in a retail shopping environment. Sparta Candle Company is also the only small retail business that is open 7 days a week. They only close on Thanksgiving and Christmas, which means that any time you visit Sparta, you can stop in to the Candle Company as well. The motto of the store, painted on the wall, is, " A FLAME LOSES NOTHING BY LIGHTING ANOTHER. ” That sentiment sums up what’s wonderful about mountain life pretty nicely, and Sparta Candle Company celebrates mountain life every day, in everything they do. If you won’t be near Sparta this holiday season, visit the website www.spartacandleco. com. Consider purchasing your Christmas gifts from a store that gives back to its community. Small towns are supported by small businesses, and it’s the shoppers that support the small businesses. 16 S Main St. | Sparta, NC (336) 409-9379
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87 Tickets on sale December 6, 2021
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88 Pomander Pomander Pomander is the blanket term for any ball made for perfume. The name comes from the French “pomme d’ambre”, which translates to “apple of amber.” The first historical mention of pomanders is in the thirteenth century, when they were said to be a religious keepsake. More practically, however, they were used as olfactory relief. When showers and plumbing weren’t commonplace, neither was smelling nice. Pomanders smelled delightful, and that trait led to their enduring popularity. Early versions were usually made of metal and often included ambergris, which is made in the digestive systems of a whale. Fresh ambergris smells like you might expect, given it’s origin. But as it ages, it acquires a sweet, earthy scent that enhances perfumes. It’s most recognizable in musk, although it’s been heavily used throughout history. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 made it illegal in the United States. The version of the pomander that most of us are familiar with is shown at right: an orange with cloves that has been dried. If you dry it properly, a pomander can last for many years, and it maintains a pleasant scent. This sort of pomander would have been a special treat for the people of Appalachia, as oranges were not grown here. This particular type of pomander may have it’s roots in witchcraft. An orange, covered with cloves and dropped with oil, tied with a gold string was used as a charm for good luck, recovery and protection. To make your own, use a sharp point to prepunch holes for your cloves, and create an aesthetically pleasing pattern. You can also carefully remove the outer orange colored peel in some sections, leaving the white exposed. This technique works better if you won’t be drying your pomander. To dry your pomander, roll it in a spice mixture that includes cinnamon and nutmeg. Place the orange and the spice mixture in a paper bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place and turn the bag once a day. Within three weeks, your pomander will be cured. Pomanders have always been considered good luck charms, and as such, they make wonderful Christmas gifts.
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90 Craft Show S Craft Show S The Southern Christmas Show For 54 years, the Southern Christmas Show has been the gold standard for regional craft fairs. Over 400 merchants are gathered for 4 days, selling handmade and unique items, holiday decor and more. It runs November 11 through the 21, 2021. It opens at 10 am and runs until 6, except on weekends, when it runs until 9. Admission is $15. ‘Tis the Season Craft Show This three day event in Fletcher runs Friday, November 19 10am-6pm. Saturday, November 20 10am-6pm and Sunday, November 21 11am-5pm. Tickets are $5. Merchants sell traditional mountain crafts, art, Christmas decorations and more. West Main Antiques Christmas Open House This Taylorsville antique store hosts a spectacular annual Christmas Open House. From antiques to hand-made gifts, you’ll find what you need here. It’s held on November 6th, from 10 to 5, in Downtown Taylorsville.
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92 Foothills Market-Christmas Charm With vendors, artisans, and small businesses from across the state, this craft fair offers small-town charm with big-city selection. It’s November 26-28 at Double C Event Center in Morganton. Santa and the Grinch will be there too! Winter Craft Festival Held on Saturday, December 4th at Red Wolf Farm in Maiden, this craft fair features vendors, artisans, entrepreneurs and more. It’s a great way to keep your Christmas dollars in the local community. Food vendors will also be on site.
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93 Hard Candy Christmas Art & Craft Show Running from November 26 to 27, this show features traditional Appalachian artisans. It’s held on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. 2021 Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic™ Art & Craft Festival This craft show runs November 26- 27 at the Greensboro Colosseum. Features original work of hundreds of artists. Beech Mountain Holiday Market This event is held on November 27 at the Buckeye Recreation Center. The event features local craftsmen and artists. It runs from 10 to 4. Christmas Craft Fair at the Mill This event is held at the Double Shoals Cotton Mill in Shelby on November 27, from 11 to 4. Enjoy the fresh country air, and the sound of the First Broad River as you shop. Plenty of space to walk around and practice social distancing. This event will be held outside on the festival grounds at Double Shoals Cotton Mill, the oldest mill in Cleveland County! Christmas in November This craft show is held at the Old Rock School in Valdese on November 12 and 13. The annual show features handmade crafts and Christmas gifts. Come and enjoy a magical Christmas time at Steele’s Farms. We are certain it will make you as happy as it did little Stella last year. In December we will be having a Christmas market, Saturdays with Santa and so much more. Check our website for updates and tickets for events. www.steelesfarms.com
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94 Granny Eckard's Christmas Memories Granny Eckard shares her memories of growing up at the base of Baker’s Mountain before modern amenities like running water and telephone lines.
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95 Christmas in the 1950s for my family was very special. We didn’t have much and we didn’t know anyone who did. Somehow we children managed to stow away some spending money during the year. We always looked forward to our annual trip to Weaver’s Variety Store in Longview to buy each other Christmas gifts. (The building still stands and at 130 years is one of the oldest in Longview and now houses Foothills Jewelry & Loan.) Everything was very secretive, like: What color of red would you like if you had some nail polish? Would you prefer a mirror with a handle or just a flat one? Does Dad need some new handkerchiefs? The store had only 2 isles with displays on both sides of the isles all filled with hundreds of colorful and useful things. When we asked Mom what she would like she always answered, “I just want you children to be good.” My word, I thought we were always good! We were unaware that people actually went out to purchase a Christmas tree. We searched our side of Bakers Mountain for a cedar that had a good shape and not too tall and had a rather small trunk. The reason for the small trunk is that we had to fit the tree down into a hole in a brick. Since we were using the brick for our tree stand we couldn’t cut the tree too many days before Christmas because it would dry out and be a fire hazard. Our family had a few strings of electric lights that, based on today’s standards, would get too hot. Mom had acquired a few nice glass ornaments which we added along with some construction-paper chain and aluminum icicles. Christmas for us was being excited about giving, not receiving. We did receive a few gifts, mostly clothes and shoes, and usually a new coloring book and Crayolas. Our siblings’ gifts were wrapped and put under the tree for Christmas day. I can’t claim we siblings always had peace, love, and harmony but this was a start. Our parents had a habit of giving, and not just stuff, but the gift of help and time and instruction - not just for us but for anyone in the community who asked. These memories continue to make Christmas season a very special time. Peace on Earth, Good Will toward Men.
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96 Christmas is the most special time of year. Bringing different elements into your place settings and home decor will always help you design a striking table scape, or whatever else you are trying to accomplish. Here you see the use of faux fur, natural greens from Christmas evergreen trees, holly berries, brass, crystal, and other elements that pull from nature. There is no right or wrong when it comes to decorating your home. Just remember a neutral base with pops of color is always a good idea. Also, consider adding thoughtful touches like handwritten notes. It doesn’t cost anything to write down your thoughts and wrap the note...it will be one of the most cherished gifts of the year. Maybe even pop a photo into a frame and you have the best gifts imaginable. C C hristmas hristmas with with STEELE’S STEELE’S CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION chee chee r r DESIGN BUILD FIRM DESIGN BUILD FIRM
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C C hurch hurch plays plays and and Treat bags Treat bags Church Plays For many people, it isn’t Christmas until the kids at church put on a Christmas play. They are all pretty similar... smiling children who have learned their lines lining up backstage, shepherds, angels and wise men, dressed to the nines and ready to share the Christmas story. Proud parents and grandparents hold their breath, hoping their kids remember what to do. And, they never all remember what to do, but it’s always delightful anyway. So many children learn the real story of Christmas through acting it out. Watching these plays is a proud tradition that we hope never goes away.
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828-328-2283 hickorytheatre.org Bugsy Malone December 3-18 The Color Purple January 21-February 5 Treat Bags After the church play, the treat bags come out. Nearly every Southern church has taken part in this tradition in the past, and many still do. In the foothills and mountains of Southern Appalachia, fruit has sometimes been hard to get, especially oranges, in winter. Since they don’t grow here, oranges were a very special treat that they sometimes only got at Christmastime. A treat bag usually has an orange, an apple, some raisins, nuts, and usually some gum or other candy, like a candy cane. Do you remember these from your childhood?
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101 By Carmen Eckard Photography by Jon Eckard Christmas is a time to celebrate family and traditions. It’s a time when we slow down and remember who we are, and where we came from. It’s a celebration of family and traditions. A lot of people associate Bob Timberlake with Christmas, and part of that is because he’s painted some t r u l y i c o n i c Christmas art work. But, moreover, I think it’s because the themes of his art and his life naturally meld with the themes of Christmas. Bob Timberlake is a man full of stories. He’s also full of love and pride for his family, both those that came before him, and the ones who came after him. His work asks us to slow down, to look at the land that we live on, to celebrate the C hristmas with traditions we’ve established, and to linger on nostalgia, instead of pushing it down and carrying on with our busy lives. He knows stories are important; not just his, but everyone’s. His art encourages people to tell t h e i r o w n stories as well. W h a t c o u l d possibly embody Christmas more t h a n t h e s e themes? Some of his b e s t k n o w n Christmas works are paintings of his collection of vintage toys, painted in a deep window sill at his home. Part of what makes this series resonate with so many people is the all- American nature of the toys. They make nearly everyone think of their own childhood, because who didn’t have a toy drum? Raggedy Ann and Andy are ubiquitous, and you
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102 probably had a stuffed animal you loved so much it became real. That means when we look at this art, we all can feel a sense of ownership. We all remember a similar scene, and it reminds us of the joy of Christmas morning for children, and for their parents, who are happy to give them things they will cherish. The bear featured in the painting still sits in Bob Timberlake’s gallery in Lexington (see display at right). In the years since the paintings have become popular, the bear has been used to raise millions of dollars for Duke Children’s Hospital, a cutting- edge and life-saving hospital for children. You’ll notice the bear has been well- loved. He’s missing an eye, and Mr. Timberlake says, “A smart mom realized she wouldn’t be able to match his button eye, so she sewed him an eye patch.” That eye patch has come to symbolize the love children can have for inanimate objects. As much as the Velveteen Rabbit, that eye patch is about becoming real, and it resonated with people all over the world. Raggedy Ann and Andy are also popular characters in Timberlake’s Christmas painting. Raggedy Ann and Andy are as American as apple pie, and we don’t think it’s a coincidence that they wear patriotic colors. The dolls are based on a book series that began in 1918, and by 1920, the author had already patented designs
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103 for both Ann and Andy. Author Johnny Gruelle wrote at least one Raggedy Ann and Andy book a year until his death in 1938, and at that point, he’d sold over 3 million books. Both dolls have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, and are a certifiable slice of Americana. So, it’s no surprise that when the United States Postal Service came to Mr. Timberlake, asking him to design a stamp for Christmas, it was Raggedy Ann and Andy that came to mind. The year was 1980, 41 years in the past now. Timberlake’s career was 10 years strong at that point, and he was starting to garner much acclaim. He would go on later to design a total of four stamps, but his very popular Season Greeting Christmas Stamp is the most well-known. His work also included both the North and South Carolina commemorative Statehood Stamps (1988, 1989), and the bi-centennial postcard for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1993.
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104 Mr. Timberlake’s original Christmas stamp include drawing of Raggedy Andy, sitting in the familiar windowsill, on top of the vintage drum. The design was accepted and printed, but then it was discovered that the stamp would violate the copyright for the dolls. He went back to the drawing board, removed Raggedy Andy, and created the iconic scene shown in his stamp. The stamp was entitled “Wreath and Toys” and was released on October 31, 1980. The stamp was very well-received, and many people wrote to him to tell him how much it resonated with them. “That made it very, very special for me,” he says. “I think it was more down-to-earth than people were used to seeing on stamps back then. More realistic.” Over the years, Mr. Timberlake has painted countless Christmas scenes, as well as sweeping winter landscapes. “Christmas Cardinal,” at right, brings the mind to yuletide North Carolina. The simplicity of the holly leaves and the contrast in the color scheme are refreshing, and weave Christmas together with nature. Bob Timberlake’s work has a way of bringing nature to the forefront, no matter what the subject is. It’s clear he understands the connection between people and the earth, and that it he finds it endlessly fascinating. Timberlake is not only an artist, but also a prolific entrepreneur. H i s f u r n i t u r e career predates his career as an artist, and furniture is in his blood-he made his first award- winning piece of furniture when he was only 14! His furniture line is the most successful furniture line in the history of the world, and his innovative licensing in the 90s and beyond helped reshape what Americans expect out of our companies. He was one of the first to pioneer a lifestyle brand based on his own personality and style. His line was called “the antiques of the future” by the media. That was
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108 particularly prescient, as his line is already incredibly collectible and resellable. A particular favorite is his line of Christmas dishes. They’ve been retired for some time, but you can find them at many vintage resellers, on eBay, and at Replacements, just outside of Greensboro. There are also a large variety of Christmas Ornaments. A Goebel/Timberlake collaboration has created a set of ornaments based on old-fashioned quilt patterns. At the time, these were well- received, but we like them more these days. That’s because they look like the barn-quilts painted on barns all over western North Carolina, and so now they carry a sense of place they didn’t have before.
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111 Natural Natural Elements Elements Of N o r t h C a r o l i n a W e c u r a t e p r o d u c t s f o r a n a t u r a l l i f e s t y l e Our products include: • A full-range of NC CBD products • Elderberry Syrup • Organic vitamins & supplements • Honey • Jewelry • Essential Oils • And more! 1 5 U S H w y 3 2 1 S W H i c k o r y , N C 2 8 6 0 2 8 2 8 / 7 2 9 / 9 8 6 8 8 2 8 / 7 2 9 / 9 8 6 8 2 2 1 N W M a i n S t r e e t L e n o i r , N C 2 8 6 4 5 8 2 8 / 9 2 9 / 2 4 2 0 8 2 8 / 9 2 9 / 2 4 2 0 Mr. Timberlake continues to paint. We are enjoying watching the subtle changes in his work over the decades he’s been painting. His most recent works seem alive with something new that we really enjoy. The painting at left is called “Studio Winter” and it was painted in 2020. That year was a good bit lonelier than most, and that’s reflected in this work, but it’s still got a warmth to it that’s hard to put a finger on. Another new painting is “Clear Nite.” We’ve put this painting on the cover of this issue because we feel it so thoroughly embodies Christmastime in North Carolina. We’re incredibly excited to work with Bob Timberlake to release a limited edition print of “Clear Night.” Ordering information is on the opening pages of this issue, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the nonprofit organizations Empty Stocking Fund of Lexington and Foothills Kids Magazine. In addition to the signed and numbered limited edition prints, there will be a small number of framed and matted prints with remarques, small original works by Bob Timberlake, near the signature. To order, call 336.249.4428.
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112 Christmas with
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Bob Timberlake Recommends: Wayne Lanning as Santa Wayne Lanning was a loyal employee of Bob Timberlake’s when they realized that he’d make a mighty fine Santa. He was jolly already, but he still needed a bit of transformational magic to turn into Santa Claus. Mr. Timberlake financed his Santa schooling, and even bought him his first Santa suit. That was many years ago, and Wayne has been bringing joy to children and adults alike for all this time. If you or your organization needs a Santa Claus, he’s the best one we know! You can hire him by giving him a call at (336) 239-6250.
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117 Acclaimed naturalist artists Bob Timberlake and Clayton Pennell have joined together for a wildlife show at the Bob Timberlake Gallery in Lexington. The show features North Carolina artifacts, like long rifles and decoys, as well as turkey calls, Native American artifacts, Annie Oakley’s shotgun and more. The show opened October 14th and runs throughout December.
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118 Surprise Engagements... Surprise Engagements... 101 Nest Ln, Taylorsville, NC www.thenestatsteelesfarms.com (828) 773-7449 We love helping with the planning...during We love helping with the planning...during horse-drawn carriage rides around the farm, horse-drawn carriage rides around the farm, or while visiting to pick you your tree, let or while visiting to pick you your tree, let our team at the Nest at Steele’s Farm help our team at the Nest at Steele’s Farm help you make this holiday one to remember. you make this holiday one to remember.
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119 2021 BLUE RIDGE REALISTS EXHIBIT In 1968, an artistic movement emerged in the piedmont and western regions of North Carolina known as the Blue Ridge Realists. Today they continue to explore and share their artistic ideas of rural realism to the world. Join us at the Bob Timberlake Gallery in Lexington North Carolina for an opening reception of the 2021 Blue Ridge Realists Exhibit. December 2, 2021, 4PM – 6PM The Exhibit will run through January 29, 2022. JACK GREENFIELD BOB TIMBERLAKE HAL BRYANT WILLIAM MANGUM FREDERICK CRAIG FRANZ JASON DRAKE GARY FREEMAN SCOTT BOYLE PHILLIP PHILBECK RICHARD OVERSMITH JEREMY SAMS CHRIS BELL CLAYTON PENNELL
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120 Grandfather's Grandfather's Synchronous FirefliesSynchronous Fireflies
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121 The discovery of a special type of firefly on Grandfather Mountain has experts aglow with excitement. The nonprofit nature park in Linville, N.C., is officially home to Photinus carolinus, the only species of firefly in North America whose individuals can synchronize their lighting display, meaning they can flash in unison. Photinus carolinus famously resides in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where it is a major draw for visitors from late May through early June. During that time, hopeful spectators enter a lottery to win tickets to witness the phenomenon. And with only a limited number of tickets offered, the spectacle has grown ever more exclusive. And now it’s grown a mile high.
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The revelation of Photinus carolinus’ existence on Grandfather Mountain comes courtesy of Dr. Clyde Sorenson, an entomologist from N.C. State University. While hosting a workshop on the mountain, Sorenson was invited to stay the night in the park’s guest cottage near the Woods Walk & Picnic Area. “I had the intention to see what kind of fireflies might be around at the high altitude,” Sorenson said. Around 9:30 p.m., he saw a few fireflies flashing and knew right away that it was something special. “As it got dark, the numbers steadily went up, and between 10 and 10:30 p.m., there were several hundred all around the guest cottage and Woods Walk, flashing synchronously,” Sorenson said. “I knew what to look for, and apart from the flash patterns, which are species specific, there are neurological features that are distinct. They were doing what they were supposed to be doing, and when I looked at them in my hand, they had all the diagnostic features for that same species.” Sorenson later confirmed his findings with East Tennessee naturalist Lynn Faust, a preeminent expert on the subject, who, among numerous other publications, wrote a field guide on fireflies, which Sorenson described as “one of the best resources to anyone who is interested in learning more about these critters.” “You know, this is a really exciting discovery, and on Grandfather Mountain, one of the exciting things about visiting the park is that you never know what you’ll see or find,” said Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Linville, N.C., nature park. Sorenson is particularly excited, because synchronous behavior is rare in fireflies. “There’s only a handful of species all around the world that do this, and for a long time, this particular species, the phenomenon of
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seeing large numbers of them synchronizing has been associated tightly with just a couple geographical areas,” he said. “But the species goes all the way from New York to Georgia. Where they have been most widely known and recognized for so long is at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s at 2,200 feet. Where I saw them (at Grandfather) was at 4,200 feet.” What makes Grandfather Mountain such a unique location, Sorenson said, is its elevation range. Starting at a relatively low elevation of 3,000 feet, the mountain reaches up to nearly 6,000 feet. And while conducting a research survey near the Mile High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain’s director of education, Amy Renfranz, observed the same fireflies blinking synchronously. “At the top of the mountain, they blinked in a slower cadence, because the temperature was colder,” Renfranz said. “Males were observed flying low to the ground, and females were perched along the ground. The groups of fireflies would totally sync light rhythms with each other.” During one survey, Renfranz observed more than 1,000 fireflies from one overlook on the mountain. “They could start down at the bottom (of the mountain) very early in June and continue well into July, as you go up the mountain,” Sorenson said, “which presents a really unique opportunity for, perhaps, a lot more people to see them over a much longer span of time. Generally, at any given location, they’re really active for about two to three weeks, and then they’re done for the year. But again, because Grandfather has that great elevational span, it’s possible that the display could last for many weeks.” This would be a boon for the scientific community and spectators alike, he said, as it would offer another opportunity to study Photinus carolinus and observe one of nature’s most marvelous light displays. “Any time people can witness one of these really neat natural history spectacles, it increases their appreciation for the natural world and their interest in helping preserving it,” Sorenson said. “This goes hand in hand with Grandfather Mountain’s mission — to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain,” Pope said. “I’m beyond excited about this new discovery. And that’s something that makes Grandfather Mountain so special, that a visitor could do the discovering.” “It tickled me to no end,” Sorenson said. “I was kind of giddy for a little bit.” Pope noted that Photinus carolinus is wonderful addition to the pantheon of plants and animals that call Grandfather Mountain home. With the fireflies now out of season, park staff is in the process of organizing future viewing events in which the public can witness the bugs in action. “A lot of people come to the park, maybe just to cross the bridge or get close to an animal,” Pope said. “But while they’re here, they’re immersed in a natural experience unlike any other mountain on Earth.” The not-for-profit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, call 800-468-7325, or visit www.grandfather.com.
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124 Dear Editor— I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so. ” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? -Virginia O’Hanlon Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. Francis B. Church Editor of the New York Sun 1897
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125 Thomas Nast’s Santa
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126 The first MerleFest was a smashing success, but it was just a taste of what was to come. 33 years strong, this festival has helped shape the musical landscape and foothills communities.
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S ubscribe Foothills Digest PO Box 2670 Lenoir, NC 28645 Subscriptions, with shipping, are $34 per year during our Christmas special. Mail a check or enclose your credit card information. Cards will be charged one time. Alternately, you can use the QR code below. Name: Address: Phone: Card Number: Expiration: CVV Code:
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General Contractor Licenses: NC# 74498 SC# G121741 NCHBA STAR AWARDS B e ST R oom R emo D el /R e N ov AT io N , B e ST A DD i T io N , B e ST W H ole H ou S e R emo D el /R e N ov AT io N /B e ST W H ole H ou S e R emo D el !50K+ 828.302.0074 828.302.0074 steelesconstructionllc.com When you are asking Santa for your gift this year, make sure he can fit down your new chimney instead of your gift fitting under your tree.