Beech Mountain’s Christmas Parade May Be A Must Attend

Admittedly, I come to this from a VERY jaded point of view.  As a longtime radio personality, if I've been in one Christmas parade, I've been in one thousand.  With very few exceptions, none of these experiences stand out in my mind.  Honestly, when I think of Christmas parades, all I think of is, "Ugh...work."  I know, that's terrible.  And I hate it.

Perhaps part of the problem is I've never taken part in a parade that made me feel the magic of the season.  For each of us that's different, I guess.  I think I need a late afternoon/early evening setting on a date close to Christmas in a small town.  I know I need it to be cold.  And along with the cold, wouldn't it be cool if there was snow falling?  That last part is the toughest.  However, if there's a chance...you need to go to the high country of North Carolina.

Which leads me to the Town of Beech Mountain's 4th Annual Christmas Parade.  It takes place on December 21 (so we're getting REALLY close to the big day, right?).  The route runs along the Beech Mountain Parkway starting at the ski resort and ending around the Town Hall area.  Oh, and did I mention that the parade begins at 4pm, so that magic hour I need is a checked box.

According to the High Country Press, you can visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty immediately after the Parade in the Brick Oven Pizzeria side room, next to the mini-golf course.  Give Santa your wish-letter, pose for a family photo and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies during this free, “small-town” celebration.

The theme of the parade this year is "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas."  And the parade is a "snow or shine" event.

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it's time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we'll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it's time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let's set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it's best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won't spark an idea that's never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There's room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.

We'll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch - to half inch slices. There's something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.

It's all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a "cheers" throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.

This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it's dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.