📫More Budget Cuts May Be Coming | Lots More Holiday Events in Wake County | Holiday Schedule Update 🎄

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Hello friends!

“Happy December 15th! With only a few shopping days left, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush. Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and remember the true heart of this season and why we celebrate! May your day be filled with love and gratitude. Wishing you peace in the midst of the hurry.”

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Dear Readers,,

I wanted to let everyone know about a few adjustments to our newsletter schedule for the holidays. I understand how busy this season can be—with last-minute shopping, cooking, and celebrations—so to keep things manageable, I’ll be publishing only once next week on December 23rd, and again the following week on December 29th.

Rest assured, you won’t miss a thing. You can always check our online events schedule anytime to stay up to date on what’s happening around town.

Looking ahead, beginning in the new year, the newsletter will shift to a twice-weekly schedule, arriving every Tuesday and Friday. As always, I’ll make sure you stay informed about all the events and happenings across our beautiful Wake community.

Thank you all for your continued support. I truly appreciate each one of you, and I’m committed to bringing you information that not only keeps you informed but enriches your life and your family’s.

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

A lawyer told a judge, “My client is trapped inside a penny. The judge said,”What?”

The lawyer said, “He is in-a-cent!”

📍 Trivia 📍

• First in Christmas Trees:
  North Carolina is the #2 Christmas tree–producing state in the entire U.S., behind only Oregon — and the Fraser fir grown in western NC is the most popular tree in America.

• White House Trees From NC:
  North Carolina Fraser firs have been chosen more than a dozen times as the official White House Christmas Tree, more than any other state’s species.

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Giving Back with Food This Holiday Season in Wake County

In Wake County, over 140,000 of our neighbors—including 1 in 6 children—struggle with hunger. The holidays make that need even sharper. You can help right here at home with just a little time or a few cans from your pantry.

Quick, local ways to make a difference this December:

• Drop off food at any of the 200+ blue Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC barrels around Wake County (look for them at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Wegmans, and most churches).

• Volunteer at the Food Bank’s Raleigh warehouse (1924 Capital Blvd) – they especially need help sorting and packing Dec 16–24.

• Sign up for a shift at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s Community Kitchen or mobile markets in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, and Zebulon.

• Host a mini food drive at your office, school, or neighborhood—most requested items: peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, beans, rice, oatmeal, and pasta.

• Adopt a local family through the Food Shuttle’s Holiday Meal Program or With Love From Strangers.

Every can, every hour, every dollar stays right here in Wake County feeding families this Christmas.

"Dear Wake County friends and neighbors,

This holiday season, may your homes be warm, your tables full, and your hearts even fuller. While we gather with the ones we love, let’s also reach out to those who need it most—because in Wake County, no one should go hungry, especially at Christmas.

Thank you for every act of kindness you share. Together, we make this community brighter.

Wishing you joy, peace, and plenty,

With love,

Diane

👉Kids 10 and under eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree at Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant. Check out “Kids Eat Free” below. 👈

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More Budget Cuts May Be Coming

Wake County school leaders are warning that the 2026–27 budget may require more cuts due to uncertainty with state and federal funding. At their recent retreat, the board said rising costs and delayed state budget decisions mean “difficult choices” are ahead. Earlier this year, the district already made $18 million in cuts and received a $40.3 million funding increase from county commissioners — still less than needed. More details on specific cuts will be discussed in 2026. Read More

🎄 Holiday Events in Wake County

📅 Monday, December 15 – Saturday, January 11
NC Chinese Lantern Festival – Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
• Walk under hundreds of glowing lanterns every evening (6–10 PM), with music, performances, and magical art displays. Closed Christmas Day.

📅 Tuesday, December 16, 10:00 AM
Linked Women’s Network Café Meetup – Sophie’s Grill & Bar
• Connect with professionals in a friendly networking session over coffee and conversation.

📅 Tuesday, December 16, 5:30 PM
Downtown Raleigh Menorah Lighting – Moore Square
• Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Mayor Janet Cowell, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats in the heart of downtown.

📅 Tuesday, December 16, 6:30 PM
Ugly Sweater Holiday Run – Crank Arm Brewing
• Put on your wildest sweater and run downtown Raleigh for a festive, fun-filled evening with prizes and holiday cheer.

📅 Wednesday, December 17 – Sunday, December 21
Disney On Ice: Jump In! – PNC Arena
• Enjoy a magical ice show with beloved Disney characters and family-friendly performances.

📅Join us for Bingo, Books & Bagels for adults at East Regional Library in Knightdale on December 18th at 10:30 AM for a fun morning of great conversation, tasty bagels, and exciting bingo. Don’t miss this free community event—reserve your spot and get details here:

📅 Friday, December 19 – Tuesday, December 23
A Candlelight Christmas with Holiday Brass – N.C. Symphony, Raleigh
• Experience shimmering holiday music and seasonal favorites for the perfect festive night out.

📅 Saturday, December 20, 6:00–9:00 PM
Piper Lights Display – Wake Forest
• Stroll or drive through thousands of sparkling holiday lights in this free community display.

📅 Saturday, December 20, 6:00–9:00 PM
Lake Myra Christmas Lights – Wendell
• Enjoy Wendell’s beloved neighborhood light show with music, treats, and family fun.

📅 Tuesday, December 23, 6:00 PM (Doors) / 7:00 PM (Game)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers Holiday Hockey Game – Lenovo Center
• Cheer on the Canes in a festive NHL matchup with seasonal themes and special merchandise.

The 77-Year-Old Who Runs Toward Disaster

When most people imagine their later years, they picture quiet mornings and peaceful days. But in Windham, Maine, 77-year-old Ruth Lathrop keeps a suitcase by the door — always ready to go where she’s needed most.

In 2025 alone, Ruth has traveled to Canada, Alaska, and Vermont, not for vacations but to respond to disasters as a Red Cross volunteer. She comforts families who’ve lost everything to floods. She brings warm meals to people standing in the ruins of what used to be their homes. She sits with survivors long after the news cameras leave, listening to their fears, helping them breathe again.

“I have to do this,” Ruth says whenever someone asks why she keeps going. But the truth is, no one embodies compassion like she does. Communities call her an angel. Strangers remember her long after she’s gone. And every time she leaves for a deployment, she carries the same message: you’re not alone.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

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🍨10% Senior Discount at Dairy Queen on Mondays!

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🎉 Family-Friendly New Year’s Events in Wake County

✅ Why These Work Well for Families

• Kid-friendly timing: Events like “Noon Year’s Eve” and early “Acorn Drop” let younger children celebrate without staying up until midnight.

• Affordability: Several options are free or low-cost (public libraries, craft events, First Night kid tickets).

• Variety of experiences: From arts & crafts and library parties to carnival-style rides and a major downtown fireworks celebration.

• Flexibility: Families can choose what fits their children’s ages and energy levels — quiet crafts, early countdowns, or exciting nighttime fireworks.

📌 What to Do Next (Before You Head Out)

• Visit the event pages or library websites to confirm date/time, and RSVP if required (especially for library events or craft-workshops).

• For large downtown events (First Night) — plan for parking or early arrival, and check weather & crowd conditions.

• If attending something with rides or crafts, bring jackets or warm clothes, especially if outdoors, and maybe a backpack for snacks, water, and warm drinks.

• For smaller kids — aim for noon or early-evening events so you’re not out too late.

Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!📌

We strive to make sure that all information is accurate. However, we always recommend check all details with the event organizer.

There are so many events happening in and around Wake County, NC that we have gone to a seperate page to list events. Please click this button to view all of the area’s great events!👇

Sometimes, email servers can cut off parts of the newsletter, making it tricky to enjoy the full experience. For the best reading experience and to catch all the details, click here to view the entire newsletter!

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If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]