Christmas in Eastern North Carolina 
I wore a tank top to a Christmas party and long-johns to a parade the week before. Here in eastern North Carolina winter can be sunny and seventy one day and forty and rainy the next. We seldom have snow at Christmas. More often if we get precipitation it comes as rain. I’ve worn shorts and flip flops on Christmas Day. The weather surely doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit.
Yet everywhere I look there are lights and trees and lighted snowflakes. In my little town we believe in Christmas from the nativity on the church lawn to Santa on the Christmas parade float. The annual Christmas Craft Fair hosted by the rescue squad, the barbecue fundraiser manned by the volunteer firefighters and the best, small town Christmas parade sponsored by the chamber of commerce are all traditions we hold dear. 
Secret Santa, Dirty Santa and Christmas angels, our little town with its many churches and service clubs tries to make sure no one is forgotten during the holidays. From Carolers singing to pageants bringing the good news to everyone. Our little town is aglow with the warmth and love of the season.
I love my town with its quirky characters and rundown buildings. Like an aging debutant it could use a facelift but the true beauty of the place shines through during the holidays when a little glitter and a few lights transforms it into a winter wonderland! Here is the heart of Christmas in the beautiful acts of kindness magnified by the spirit of the season.