Making It Through December

We’re still two full weeks from Christmas, and yet December already feels like a marathon. It’s the one month where we somehow cram two months of living into one. The month isn’t even halfway over and, I don’t know about you, but I’m already feeling it.

Most of us get swept up in the rush. It makes me think of Merle Haggard’s If We Make It Through December. He sings, “If we make it through December, everything’s gonna be alright I know,” and the older I get, the more that line hits home.

In the song, Merle Haggard details all the ways December can be heavy, for whatever the reason. And for some of us, it can be many. 

He says he doesn’t mean to hate December, and I don’t either. There’s plenty of joy tucked in there. It just comes packaged with a whole lot of everything else.

But the one thing I really try to avoid is wishing days away just because I think the next stretch will feel easier. You’ve heard the phrase: be where your feet are.

So for now, here I am in December, doing my best to make the days count. Maybe instead of saying I have to get through December, I can start saying I get to.

Flip the script, change the mindset.

It sounds good, and I’m going to try. Even if it would make for a pretty lousy country and western song. Sorry Hag.

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🎄 CHRISTMASTOWN DISPLAY IS BACK IN MOUNT HOLLY

Field correspondent Ivory from Mount Holly reports that Isaac Vargas, the man behind last year’s CHRISTMASTOWN display, is back with a new setup featuring a giant Grinch hand rising from his roof. Lights run nightly from sunset to 11 p.m. Located at 113 Scaleybark Ct.

✂️ NEW COSMETIC ARTS INSTITUTE OPENS IN DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Jacinda Jacobs said it best: “This is more than teaching cosmetology, it’s about changing lives.” The Paramount Institute of Cosmetic Arts celebrated its ribbon cutting inside the former St. Stephen's AME Zion Church, now reimagined as a space for training, inspiration, and opportunity on MLK Jr. Blvd.

🟡 HELLO, GASTON! NOW WELCOMING LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISERS

A small number of advertising slots are now available for businesses looking to connect with Hello, Gaston!’s loyal weekly readers. It’s a strong opportunity to raise your profile and reach engaged hometown customers. Local business owners are encouraged to reach out and learn more about partnering.

🐻 JESSE COLE REFLECTS ON HIS GASTONIA ROOTS

Jesse Cole shared a nostalgic post crediting the Gastonia Grizzlies for shaping everything that later became the Savannah Bananas. He recalls taking the GM job at 23, trying wild promotions, learning to put fans first, and gaining the courage in Gastonia to dream bigger.

🎗️ WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA COMES TO GASTON COUNTY

National Wreaths Across America Day is this Saturday, December 13, honoring veterans by remembering their service and teaching future generations. Ceremonies begin at noon at selected cemeteries in Belmont, Gastonia, Kings Mountain, and Cherryville as volunteers gather to honor local heroes.

✨ HOLIDAYS AT THE GARDEN SHINES IN NEW INTERVIEW

WCCB’s Adam Wurtzel sat down with Daniel Stowe Conservancy Executive Director John Searby to spotlight Holidays at the Garden, featuring over two million lights, a trackless train, a speakeasy, and more. The family friendly event runs through December 27.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

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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 11

Yule Log Parade & Ceremony
📍 100 Main Street, McAdenville
⏰ 5:30 –7 p.m.
Children lead carols before the community walks to Legacy Park to light the town’s famous Yule Log. More Details.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

1st Annual Sweater Swap at Traust Brewing
📍 Traust Brewing, 128 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 6 – 9 p.m.
Bring clean sweaters to swap; leftover items go to Amy’s Closet supporting survivors of domestic violence. All sizes welcome. More Details.

Collector’s Vault Toy & Collectibles Con
📍 181 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
📅 Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13
⏰ times vary
Two-day con featuring sports cards, Hot Wheels, TCG, diecast, cosplay contest, and more. More Details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

Ranlo Christmas Parade
📍 Downtown Ranlo
⏰ 1 p.m.
Enjoy Ranlo’s annual Christmas Parade featuring a float competition for creative entries. More Details.

Cherryville’s Annual Christmas Parade
📍 220 E. Main Street, Cherryville
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Beloved local parade returns with a new evening start time featuring festive floats, small-town charm, and Christmas lights. More Details.

Catawba Riverkeeper Christmas Market
📍 102 Main Street, McAdenville
⏰ 1–5 p.m.
Shop handmade gifts from artisans, enjoy drinks at The River Room, and explore McAdenville’s light display afterward. More Details.

Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest
📍 Downtown Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
German-inspired celebration featuring music, pretzels, vendors, gingerbread decorating, and festive winter flavors. More Details.

Santa Paws
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Pet-friendly photo event at The Farmhouse Garden Center with vendors and a pup market. Free to attend. More Details.

Stowe Manor 2nd Annual Christmas Home Tour
📍 217 S. Central Ave, Belmont
⏰ 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tour the historic Stowe Manor decorated for Christmas and enjoy a festive open-house experience. More Details.

McAdenville Photo Walk
📍 The River Room, 102 Main Street, McAdenville
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Join a guided photo walk through Christmas Town USA lights after a meetup at The River Room. Dress warm and bring camera gear. More Details.

Breakfast with Santa
📍 Allan Farris Community Center, Bessemer City
⏰ 9–11 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast, crafts, story time, and photos with Santa. Tickets required; limited space available. More Details.

Cramerton Holiday Bazaar
📍 C.B. Huss Recreation Center, Cramerton
⏰ 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Shop dozens of vendors plus a Kids Holiday Shop where children select and wrap gifts for parents. More Details.

Christmas Enchantment in the Garden
📍 126 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 5–8:30 p.m.
Free community celebration with decorated garden beds, luminaries, live music, food trucks, cookies, hot cider, kids’ activities, and a visit with Santa. More Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

Town of Dallas Christmas Parade
📍 Dallas Fire Department Station 63
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Annual parade invites families to enjoy festive floats; applications available for those wanting to participate. More Details.

December Plant Swap & Shop
📍 Traust Brewing, Mount Holly
⏰ 12–3 p.m.
Bring a plant to trade or browse plants, accessories, and gifts at this kid and pet-friendly event. More Details.

 Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
 📍 Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
 ⏰ 3:25 p.m. (FOX)
Another NFC South faceoff—this time in the Big Easy.

Pet Photos With Santa
📍 425 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 12–5:30 p.m.
Bring your pet for $15 photos with Santa supporting the Animal League of Gaston County’s fundraiser for affordable spay and neuter surgeries. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

Downtown Dallas Caffeine & Conversation
 📍 Historic Dallas Jail, Dallas
⏰ 9:30–11 a.m.
Morning meetup for coffee and conversation with business owners and community leaders. More Details.

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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