The Year the Grinch Took Over Christmas

Everywhere I go this holiday season, there’s the Grinch. He’s everywhere. In fact, he’s even mentioned twice in this issue.

It’s no secret the Grinch (or “Grinchy”, as we like to call him) is a Christmas favorite at the Dungan house. That probably shows in the fact that the only Christmas inflatable we put out each year is the Grinch himself.

A couple of years ago, we fell in love with the 2018 animated version starring Benedict Cumberbatch. It’s actually the only movie we own on Amazon. Whatever we paid back then, we’ve definitely gotten our money’s worth.

So when McDonald’s announced the Grinch Meal was launching on December 2, it was a given we’d be there. By “we,” I mean me. I was sent to the Dallas McDonald’s with one mission: bring home the Grinch Meal.

So what exactly is the Grinch Meal? Fair question. It’s your standard combo meal, with one added twist: green dill pickle salt and a pair of Grinch socks.

I knew the Grinch was popular, but I didn’t expect this. On a cold Tuesday night in December, on a school night no less, I pulled in to find cars wrapped all around the building. Coming home empty-handed wasn’t an option, so I parked and went inside to order.

Apparently, nineteen other people had the same idea. Forty-five minutes later, I emerged with exactly one Grinch Meal.

As it turns out, the promotion was so popular around here that it sold out in just a couple of days, which honestly came as no surprise.

The Grinch may have tried to steal Christmas once upon a time, but this year he gave kids exactly what they’ve always wanted: green salt and socks.

Gee thanks, Grinch.

With the holidays coming up, there won’t be an issue next Thursday since it falls on Christmas Day. We’ll publish on Monday, 12/29, just ahead of all the New Year’s extravaganzas.

We’ll be back to our regular weekly Thursday schedule in the new year starting on January 8. Thanks for being here! Please spread the word if you enjoy this tasty bite of local goodness!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SIMPLY AMERICAN DOG TREAT COMPANY

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

THIS GASTON COUNTY GUIDE SAVES THE DAY LAST-MINUTE SHOPPERS

Still shopping with the clock ticking? Erica Souther’s Gaston County Shopping Guide highlights local gifts, experiences, and finds you can grab right now. Skip shipping delays and support local businesses with thoughtful options that care for your loved ones and our local economy.

🍭 QC LIFE SPOTLIGHTS HOLY ANGELS GRINCH SPIN

Holy Angels sponsored business Cotton Candy Factory appeared on WBTV’s QC Life, where Lisa showed viewers how to make the cotton candy Grinch. The segment highlighted Holy Angels’ mission while sharing festive fun. 

📣 PROMOTING AN EVENT IN TOWN?

Planning an event and want a bigger crowd? Hello, Gaston! helps local events get seen by engaged readers across Gaston County. Festivals, fundraisers, openings, and more are welcome. Reach out today to get it featured in an upcoming issue.

🍔 FOOD TRUCK ALLEY BREAKS GROUND IN DOWNTOWN BELMONT

Construction is officially underway on Food Truck Alley at 2 Airline Street. The outdoor dining destination will feature six curated food trucks, communal seating, and a community-focused atmosphere. Owner Alex Hostetler plans to spotlight diverse vendors and support small food businesses, with an opening targeted later this year. [BusinessDebut]

🎁 HELP BRING CHRISTMAS JOY TO A STRONG LIKE AK HOUSE FAMILY

One family staying at Strong Like AK House will spend Christmas away from their home while their child receives treatment. You can help by purchasing items from their holiday wishlist or donating via Venmo @StrongLikeAK to create comfort, warmth, and special moments this holiday season.

📰  QUICK BITES

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

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• Lasting Partnership Approach – As a Gaston County native, Leslie builds meaningful relationships that extend beyond project completion with ongoing support.

Ready to elevate your brand?  CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Holidays at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
📅 Friday, November 28 - Saturday, December 27
⏰ 5–10 p.m.
Step into a sparkling wonderland with millions of lights, festive fountains, and cozy fireside treats. Enjoy Santa visits, train rides, live music, and an adults-only speakeasy. More Details. ($)

The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅Saturday, November 29 - Saturday, February 28
⏰ times vary
Snowless tubing lanes, campfire treats, and family fun supporting Crowders Camps near Crowders Mountain. Recommended for ages five and up. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

Comedy At the Bull
📍 Durty Bull Brewery, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Local comedians test new material in a casual brewery setting. Audience participation encouraged. More Details.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Holiday Laser Shows
📍 The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ (two shows) 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Classic holiday music paired with immersive laser graphics under the Schiele planetarium dome. Family-friendly seasonal fun. More Details.

Holidays on The Farm
📍 The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 5–8:30 p.m.
After-hours holiday fun with lights, bonfires, cocoa, animal encounters, and festive crafts at The Schiele’s Farm. More Details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

Winter Wonderland at the Ballpark
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m.
Holiday-themed event with lights, activities, and family entertainment. More Details.

Saturday Drop-In Polar Express Day
📍 TECH @ Lowell, 203 McAdenville Rd., Lowell
⏰ 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
All-ages drop-in activity day with a Polar Express theme, perfect for a festive family outing. More Details.

Kidz & Co Gingerbread Cookie Decorating & Storytime
📍 Confluence, 117 Center St., Cramerton
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Holiday storytime followed by gingerbread cookie decorating with frosting and sprinkles. Designed for kids and families. More Details.

Movies in the Park: Elf
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m.
End the season with holiday cheer and Elf—a festive movie night in downtown Belmont. More Details

Music Under the Stars: Merry Melodies
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.
Live holiday music under the planetarium dome featuring local favorite Caleb Davis. Tickets required. More Details.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
📍 South Point Fire Department, Belmont
⏰ 8 a.m.
Listen for the fire trucks as Santa makes his annual neighborhood visit throughout South Point. More Details.

North Pole Express Carriage Rides
📍 Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Festive carriage rides through downtown Kings Mountain. Load in at Patriots Park. Tickets sold day-of, first come, first served. More Details.

Holy Angels 70th Anniversary Luminary Celebration
📍 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Celebrate Holy Angels’ 70th anniversary with a live nativity featuring residents, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and glowing luminaries honoring loved ones. More Details.

Volunteer Trail Days
📍 Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Help maintain trails and enjoy time outdoors with fellow volunteers. More Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 (Winter Solstice)

Holiday Movie at Confluence
📍 117 Center St., Cramerton
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Free family holiday movie with popcorn, hot cocoa, and cozy vibes at Confluence South Fork. More Details.

Winter Solstice Market & More
📍 Traust Brewery, 128 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate the solstice with a holiday market, new beer release, tattoo pop-ups, and cozy seasonal energy. More Details.

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
This will be their first meeting with Tampa Bay this season.

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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