Several years ago, one key person in Andalusia, Alabama (population 9,000) came up with the idea to promote their little town as a place for families to enjoy a little Christmas magic.
Years later, tens of thousands of people in central and south Alabama travel country roads to Andalusia to enjoy “Christmas in Candyland.”
If enough volunteers “buy-in” and do their part, one good idea can make a tremendous difference to a town.
Our family lives 50 miles north of Andalusia in Troy, but we now spend a full day every Christmas season in Andalusia.
Andalusia even has a fine steak restaurant - Big Mike’s - and, once a year, I make sure the kids and wife get to order whatever they want at a good steak restaurant.
As my wife reminded me on this year’s drive to Andalusia, family memories matter more than all the presents we’ll open tomorrow morning … And the best presents are still (largely) free.
I also really like this picture from my favorite Christmas movie (perhaps you’ve also seen it) ….
which captures the gift of a life well-lived.
Clarence: "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?”
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One gift I’ve been given is so many people now read my words on Substack, another good idea someone came up with a few years ago.
Merry Christmas and thank you to my subscribers for giving me this wonderful gift.
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(I made a little Christmas tree with my Substack buttons).
Important correction: Jack Rice is 7 (not 9).
His nickname is Pickle Jack McCoy. It's a well-deserved nickname because Jack loves him some pickles. In fact, my wife just brought me a jar of pickles, which she couldn't open, but I could. That's how I earn my keep - opening jars of pickles for Pickle Jack!
Wonderful picture - beautiful family!
Peace to you and yours!
Happy Holidays - Merry Christmas.
Ken