I just wanted to take a moment to say Merry Christmas to all of my friends, family, subscribers and supporters.

Downtown Fort Payne is looking incredible right now, so I encourage you to drive through and look at the Christmas decorations.

And from Fort Payne Alabama Merry Christmas tonight

Fort Payne takes on an amazing vibe every Christmas. We attract a lot of attention because of that song by Alabama called “Christmas in Dixie.”

The lyrics go…

“Christmas in Dixie, it’s snowin’ in the pines
Merry Christmas from Dixie, to everyone tonight
And from Fort Payne, Alabama
God bless why’all…We love ya…Happy New Year…Good night… Merry Christmas tonight!”
– Jeff Cook / Mark Herndon / Randy Owen / Teddy Gentry

Christmas in Dixie

Now’s the time to listen to holiday songs, watch Christmas movies (“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a requirement for me), play board games and relax.

I hope you all have a great day and make good choices to avoid spreading this COVID-19 virus around any more than it already is.

Due to the continuing public health emergency, our family opted out of doing the traditional dinner. It’s tough saying No to momma in times like these, but she understands that it is for her protection.

On a personal note, I felt a bit under the weather yesterday with a fever and headache. Just to be safe, I went to Encore Medical here in Fort Payne, just to make sure I did not catch the coronavirus.

I tested negative. I’ve become a regular there after having to test after people in my orbit got it. This was the first time I went due to me feeling crappy myself. I was diagnosed with an old-fashion garden variety sinus infection and given antibiotics.

Already feeling better. It was a bit of a scare, I won’t lie. I am so ready for this pandemic to ease up. I saw far too many people at the recent Fort Payne Christmas Parade out in public neither wearing masks or social distancing. We must do better!

Dude, I have gotten WAY off my Merry Christmas message, haven’t I? Forgive me. It’s been a traumatic year, but only 7 more days remaining.

I can’t say that 2020 has been ALL bad. I did get this amazing promotion at the newspaper, which I am doing my best to be successful at.

Christmas in Dixie

Speaking of the newspaper, indulge me for a second with a shameless plug… 

I typically procrastinate when it comes to buying a Christmas present for my mother. I mean, what does someone retired really want or need? A restaurant gift card is usually my 11th hour panic choice, but it occurred to me today that a Subscription to the Newspaper is a fantastic gift. It’s fast and easy to subscribe online, plus you can go to a rack at your nearest convenience store, buy a copy of the newest edition, and include a hand-written note saying a loved one will get upcoming papers delivered! It’s a gift that keeps on giving, plus you can say you want to get closer by having plenty of local news and sports to talk about by subscribing to the TJ yourself, either the print edition or online! Just a suggestion in case you’re scrambling to think of gift ideas for someone who is a challenge to shop for right now…
Please help me share this message. Whatever you decide (better hurry), please support our local businesses!