Country Connections by James and Ellen Perry
It being a couple of weeks ’til Christmas in 1952, Daddy said on Saturday morning, “Boys (to the four of us boys) it’s time to go up on the hill and look for a Christmas tree.”

By Brooke Cox
Growing up, one of my favorite activities was decorating Christmas trees. Even as an adult, I often volunteer to adorn them. You see, I love anything that sparkles and/or has a bright color.
Many years ago, I worked in a very nice and professional office. My first Christmas there, the company bought a new Christmas tree. The manager asked me if I wouldn’t mind decorating it. While I calmly agreed, I was jumping for joy on the inside. Whoo hoo!

Part 1
Proverbs 18:24 KJV
[24] A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
I often close conversations with Proverbs 18:24, to remind myself and others of the importance of having friends. Friendships come in various levels, from short-term casual contact, to lifelong intimate relationships.
We sometimes use the word friend very loosely, even casually as a greeting. Many believe that friendship in the best sense is lifelong to the extent that both parties involved would die for each other.

By: Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Our connection with trees goes back a long time, and during the holidays it shows up in just how interwoven forest plants are with Christmas symbols and traditions.
The Christmas Tree: An evergreen tree, sparkling with ornaments and lights, is probably the preeminent Christmas icon.

Snow shoveling tends to be an unpleasant task — this mundane seasonal chore combines heavy lifting and cold weather, resulting in possible injuries to the back and shoulder muscles if shovelers do not take the proper precautions.

Here are more tips to prevent injuries while shoveling and snow blowing:

• Check with your doctor. Because this activity places high stress on the heart, speak with your physician first. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.

While scrolling my Facebook account, I came across a picture of The Lone Ranger. The thought came to mind that even he would not have been politically correct at this time in history—like a raccoon, his mask didn’t cover either his mouth or nose!
Neither would lots of car models from the 1980s and 1990s now be fashionable. How long has it been since you’ve seen a wood-paneled station wagon? Or a car with automatic seat belts?

I love looking through catalogs. That probably started with the old Sears catalogs, especially their Christmas Wish books. As a child, I spent many hours sitting in my grandparents’ house as I flipped through its pages full of wondrous goodies.

This has some sauerkraut added for flavor and tartness. I am always looking for ways to use leftover ham. Ham does not freeze well, so I try to use any leftovers within a day or two. This recipe is easy and foolproof. It is great fresh but even better warmed up the next day.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer Interpreter, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The “hanging of the green” is a Christmas tradition that has been around for centuries. Sprays, garlands, wreaths, and trees from evergreen trees such as pine, fir, holly, and laurel have decorated homes at Christmas time since the days of Martin Luther in the early 1500s. Many Churches begin their celebration of the Christmas Season with a ceremony called the Hanging of the Green (or Greens).

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go. Weather it be driving down Maynardville Hwy and seeing the snowflakes hanging from the light poles or walking through Walmart and seeing the section of lite up Christmas trees and inflatable yard decorations down the aisle.
On December 12 at 2:30 Maynardville Hwy will be filled with fire trucks, church floats, and joyfully smiling young children as they see the Christmas holiday brining the community together through the annual Union County Christmas Parade that is sponsored by the Union County Rescue Squad.