In the Name of Love....

Christmas is nearly upon us and 2010 is just around the corner. Being an eternal optimist I always know that there is hope and have plans to work hard towards a new beginning in 2010.

We have gone through many trying times in our life, and one thing I always remember is that when it changes for the better, it happens in an instant. One minute our needs are staring us in the face and through the Grace of God we are sent an answer to our prayers. So for those of you that need an answer, keep believing in the Christmas Miracle.

Now on to this year's Christmas Story, we have to say, we weren't sure what to write, and as usual it just started flowing in. We truly hope this story touches all those that need an encouraging message.

To embrace the true meaning of Christmas you must embrace pure unconditional love itself.  Although, the nature of unconditional love and its purpose often confounds the logical mind.

As mere mortal beings, we did not create love instead we are the product of love's good intention. We all strive to be embraced with the warm and nurturing qualities of love, yet often it eludes us....read on...

If you didn't get to read last year's Holiday Tale, it is still very pertinent for the coming year..."There is light at the end of the tunnel" a cliche, but one with meaning, and something we do believe....read on....and gain your own sense of Hope, Faith and the Light at the end of the Tunnel.

Featured Event...

Christmas for the Kids at John C. Campbell Folk School

December 19, 2009 • 1-3 pm • Free

Each year John C. Campbell Folk puts on a Christmas party for children, free for all. Music, Dancing, Games, refreshments and Santa. If you are looking for a great event for the kids, this is it.

Wander through all the Highlander's Collection of Christmas Tales, from A Merry...Humble Mountain Christmas to Christmas at the Biltmore, Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn and others...

Looking for Christmas Events....

Check out our Event Calendar for other Holiday Events throughout the mountains.

Christmas is in the Air in the Mountains

It is hard to believe this year is almost over. I for one would like to finish this year off with as much fun, happiness and good cheer as I can find.

Today we went to an open house at Doyle's Cedar Hill in Murphy, great food, great people, way to do it Jeremiah.

We would like to recommend three very special holiday events coming up this weekend.  All will put a smile on your face, and a glow in your heart.

Not to mention the Fireside sale can put really great presents under your Christmas tree.

Come Enjoy...Mrs. Highlander

 Santa on the Chimney  • December 5th & 12th • 11 am to 2 pm

Where does Santa go to practice for his journey on Christmas Eve...Santa practices on a 315-ft. Chimney Rock before climbing down millions of much shorter chimneys all around the world. We experienced it for ourselves, read the Highlander's take on this event, it is guaranteed to make you laugh.

Fort Loudoun 18th Century Christmas at the Fort  • December 5th 9:45 am to 6:00 pm

Travel back in time for an Authentic 18th Century Christmas. The daily schedule includes a Christmas church service, wassail tasting and a special candlelight tour of the fort. On this special occasion, the soldiers will perform a rare night time firing of the fort’s cannon. Another Highlander Tale...a must read.

John C. Campbell Folk School Fireside Sale • December 6th • 10 am - 5 pm

Enjoy the ambiance of live music and a crackling fire as you shop for artful treasures. Craftspeople will offer handmade items such as jewelry, weaving, forged iron, photography, quilts and turned wood. You're sure to find special, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts here!

We are in production of our 2009 Christmas Tale, in the meanwhile take a little time to wander through the Highlander's Collection of Christmas Tales, from A Merry...Humble Mountain Christmas to Christmas at the Biltmore, Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn and others...

Looking for other Events....Check out our Event Calendar for other Holiday Events throughout the mountains.

Spend the Holidays in the Mountains....you know you want to!

Hope, Faith and the Light

The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are a very special place.  A place where you can visit or live away from the hustle, bustle and stresses of today's confused world.  I am not saying that the mountains aren't feeling some of the same issues as the rest of the world.  But I don't think we are feeling the issues as severely as the rest of the world.

We feel truly Blessed to have the privilege to publish the Blue Ridge Highlander.  It has always been our goal to inform, entertain and inspire our readers and hope you take the time to explore the Blue Ridge Highlander and find the peace the mountains have to offer.

In our quest for this year's Christmas Tale, we were quite perplexed because of the current times. 

Mrs. Highlander recommended an abstract thought for me to ponder on..."There is light at the end of the tunnel" a cliche, but one with meaning, and something we do believe....please read on....and gain your own sense of Hope, Faith and the Light at the end of the Tunnel.

For those of you that haven't read last years Christmas Tale, I know that you will enjoy it after reading this year's tale. This Christmas tale is several stories in one, our purpose is to take you back to the true essence of Christmas.

Please take the time to forward links to our story to all those you know that would benefit from the inspiration of the writings.  I also invite you to post comments about the story.  We have gotten a lot of great emails regarding the story and love to hear from all of you about how the stories made you feel.

Checks out our list of Christmas Events in the Mountains.

Below are a couple of our featured events, the first one coming up Saturday, December 13th.

December 13th, 2008
Santa is rappelling down Chimney Rock to get ready for his Christmas Eve trip.

December 20th, 2008
Christmas for the Kids at John C. Campbell Folks School

We will be reporting on this event in our next newsletter, coming out next week.

Enjoy the Holidays and Count your Many Blessings

God Bless Us All....Mr. & Mrs. Highlander