Happy New Year, Ashville.

We saw a lot in 2024. The Bow Tie Theater Company at CEPA.  Diondre Woody,  Springville High School MVP linebacker and Top Prospects Elite, joined the high school football coaching team. Kin Logan Stadium. The St. Clair County Arena and Event Center is up and running.

We are looking forward to 2025: Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, the rest of winter and Spring sports. We will say a bittersweet goodbye to our seniors. Many of whom will sign for scholarships.
We look forward to warmer weather and activities at The Splash pad. Then new seniors start school and with it homecoming. Before we know it, the holiday season is upon us again.

This is something it would be wise to remember when performing the last task of the season: after Christmas shopping.

The day after Christmas maybe one of the biggest shopping days of the year, but there are advantages to waiting.  The merchandise is less, but so are the shoppers. We don’t have to deal with the crowds. Also, people have had time to return merchandise by now.

According to the Business Insider, some markdowns have disappeared. “But many are still alive and kicking.”

The greatest return on your investment is what many might not be in the mood to shop for: Christmas decorations. But post holiday decoration shopping is one of the ways Mike and Sherry Baird make magic every holiday on Pinecrest Road.

Toys also have a large markdown. You can buy them and send them for next year. You can disperse them throughout the year to children on their birthdays. If you find yourself with a toy or toys you cannot place, you can always donate them. There is also a big markdown on Christmas pajamas. These would be perfect for next year. Or, just sleep in them now. They are no less comfortable because they have pictures of reindeer and jingle bells on them. If you plan to save presents, “Avoid anything trendy” says Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.

They also suggest holiday decor and big ticket items while they’re on sale. Unless it is a floor model. These are priced to go. They have also spent so much time on display being bumped into or handled by customers. The quality often goes down with the cost.

Then there is jewelry. Valentine’s is not a recognized national holiday, but a wise man celebrates it. And uneven wiser one prepares in advance

Have a great week Ashville! It has been an honor, privilege and pleasure to cover this great little city for another year. Thank you and best wishes for everyone in the coming year.