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Williams Township Daisy Cribb,7, The News Reporter’s ChristmasMemorie The coverartforNewsReporter’s The NewsReporter The Below isapreviewtosomeartworkbychildrenfromareaschools. Acme-Delco Elementary Jazmin Sandoval,7, December 21,2017 Whiteville Primary School Whiteville Primary Aiden McFadden,6 s wasdrawnbyJonasKahn. Acme-Declo Elementary School Acme-Declo Elementary Xavier King

Cover Winner, Jonas Kahn, 7, Briarcliff Elementary School, Cary The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 2 Christmas Snapshots of the past at my house By WANDA DIEFES My dad, Billy Watson, A beautiful navy blue knit For Christmas we buy pres- Whiteville worked rotating shifts at Rie- suit struck me as being per- ents and we go shopping. We gel Paper, now IP, which meant fect for my mother—it was eat cookies and candy. We visit As I have aged, especially that there were periods of nearly as pretty as she was! friends. We decorate. I like now that my childhood and time when we didn’t see much Daddy agreed. We made our Christmas. youth are gone by more than of him. When he wasn’t work- purchase, and the high school Ivan Saucedo-Castaneda, 6 half a century, I find that my ing there were many things girls working there during the Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade memories have become like to keep him busy around the holidays wrapped it in gor- Old Dock Elementary a photo album. Sometimes house and my grandparents’ geous paper and ribbon. We something will trigger the farm, plus there were my two left the store, and that is when Let me tell you about Christ- appearance of a visual image, younger brothers, not to men- that snapshot was taken, as we mas at my house. At my house a snapshot of a moment from tion my mom, who wanted his waited to cross the street to go my mom puts the tree up. I the past, crystal clear, frozen attention as well. So one-on- to the car, Bing’s voice filling have blue lights. I put the in time. As I see this picture, one time with Daddy was rare. the frosty air. ornaments on the tree. Then details and feelings associated The day of the “snapshot” he Tears sprang to my eyes as I put the lights on the house. I with it flood back, and it is had asked me, and me alone, to the memory filled my heart put a snowman outside. Mom truly as if I have been trans- go to town with him and help and my mind—I think it was and Sister wrap presents. I put ported back in time. Such an him pick out a Christmas pres- probably one of the happiest the cookies and the milk out instance occurred recently ent for Mama. I could hardly days of my childhood. Daddy, for Santa. I wake up Christ- while my husband and I were believe it—just me and Daddy young and handsome, and mas morning to open pres- practicing Christmas music going Christmas shopping. me, my heart bursting with ents. That is Christmas at my with another couple. I pulled We went into Leder Broth- pride over the wonderful gift house!! out the words to “Silver Bells” ers department store, one of Mama was going to get—how Lucero Arellano, 6 and we began to play and Whiteville’s “upscale” shop- surprised she would be—and Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade sing that Christmas classic. ping destinations at the time. I how would I ever be able to Old Dock Elementary Suddenly, there it was—a can still see the way the inside wait till Christmas morning snapshot of my dad and me on looked—the shoe department to see her open it! My dad Let me tell you about Christ- a cold, gray day in December on the first floor where the died four years ago, right after mas at my house! My Daddy 1966; I was thirteen, he was coveted Bass “Weejuns” could Christmas. I miss him, and and Mama help me decorate Charleigh Anne Hewett, 11 thirty-four. We were standing be found, the (to me) grand I am profoundly grateful for the tree and we put the lights on the corner of Madison curving staircase which led the gift of memory, for that on it. I put my stockings on Street in front of what was to the women’s department, snapshot that took me back the fireplace. My Mama wraps then Southern National Bank. and up those stairs we went. to a special time that he and the presents and she puts them Overhead, from a loudspeaker A very kind and gracious I shared. And the happiness under the tree. I help my fam- mounted on a utility pole, saleslady suggested that a nice we both felt that day was full ily clean up. Christmas at my came the unforgettable voice suit for church and dress-up of the true meaning of Christ- house is the BEST!! of Bing Crosby singing “Sil- events would be an elegant mas—giving, and giving from Addison Faulk, 6 ver Bells.” And I remembered and lovely gift for the smartly hearts overflowing with love. Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade everything. dressed woman of that day. Old Dock Elementary Let me tell you about Christ- mas at my house! My mama Christmas helps me decorate. I have 7 at my house stockings on top of the fireplace for my dog, Kai and cats, Christmas at my house is Jemma and Jagger. I put cook- very fun! My and my mom sing ies and milk on the table. Then “Feliz Navidad” and “I Wish I open presents. Christmas at You A Merry Christmas.” I my house is the best!!! decorate with Christmas lights Colton Godwin, 7 and trees. I read Christmas Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade books and my brother reads Old Dock Elementary Christmas books too. I open presents at night with my fam- Let me tell you about my ily. My brother and I open our Christmas. presents and then our mom Brooke helps me put the tree opens her presents. This is up. Aleah helps me put the why Christmas at my house stockings up. I put my doggy is fun! in the house. I get into bed and Natalie Noyola, 8 I drink milk. Christmas at my Brittany Ward’s First Grade house is the best! Old Dock Elementary Ava Simmons Natalie Cox, 7 Samantha Smith’s Second Grade Christmas Sherica Powell Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Old Dock Elementary Christmas at my house is at my house very fun! I see the lights at Let me tell you about Christ- Christmas in town. I love mas at my house! Mom and Christmas at my house is cool! This is why Christmas Christmas. I love to open my Dad help me put up the Christ- very fun! My mom can make at my house is fun! presents. I see my mom put mas tree. I get up to open the Christmas cakes. My dad can Maddison Reynolds, 7 As we approach a new year, up the Christmas tree. I like make Christmas rice. My presents Santa brings me. I Christmas. This is why Christ- Brittany Ward’s First Grade have a stocking with my name I want to thank everyone for their prayers, grandma can put the Christ- Old Dock Elementary mas at my house is fun. mas tree up. I can decorate the on it. I help people on Christ- support, and friendship, and hope God Jenna Butler, 7 tree. This is why Christmas at mas day. Christmas at my Brittany Ward’s First Grade my house is fun! house is the BEST!!! richly blesses each of you in 2018. Old Dock Elementary Abel Stocks, 6 Caden Bullard, 6 Brittany Ward’s First Grade Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary Merry Christmas at my house is very fun! My mom likes to I always have a good Christmas! sing Jingle Bells. I like to sing I have a tree to put orna- Christmas too. I like to open presents all Christmas at my house is ments on. I go shopping to at the one time. I like to build very fun! My mom sings, “I get presents to put under the and Happy a snowman. I see kids playing Wish You a Merry Christmas.” tee. I have 7 stockings on my outside. I like to see the lights. I sing “Feliz Navidad.” I put tree. My 6 parents are good to I Like to see my mom put up the the Christmas tree up in the God! The people are good at New Year tree. This is why Christmas at evening. This is why Christ- Christmas. my house is fun! mas at my house is fun! Landon Moore, 7 Estrella Arellano, 6 Amber Long, 6 Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade Brittany Ward’s First Grade Brittany Ward’s First Grade Old Dock Elementary Ricky Bullard Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary Your County Commissioner District 6 Christmas at my house is Christmas at my house is very fun! My family and I very fun! I love to sing “Santa Visit us at The Cement Barn love to sing Jingle Bells. I love Is Coming Down the Chimney.” Yashua Banks Christmas lights on houses. My mom likes to look at the Bullard’s Meats & The Flower Shoppe! Elizabeth Spaulding’s 7th Grade We enjoy putting Christmas ornaments when I was little. Katherine Art Class 654-4833 and 654-6328 ornaments on the tree. We The Christmas tree is very Samantha Smith’s Second Grade Acme Delco Middle School get really excited Christmas Acme-Delco Elementary morning when we open our Christmas presents. This is why Christmas is fun! Jacob McDaniel, 6 Brittany Ward’s First Grade Old Dock Elementary

Christmas at my house is very fun! I like to open presents in the morning because W GREENE I will get new toys. My family will make snowballs outside. My brother will open his pres- PLLC ents now. My family enjoys putting Christmas ornaments Certified Public Accountant and Consultant on the Chimney. We like to sing Jingle Bells. This is why Christmas at my house is fun! M. Wade Greene, CPA, CFE Morgan Smith, 6 Brittany Ward’s First Grade Old Dock Elementary 251 Washington St., Whiteville, NC 28472 P: 910.207.6564 • F: 910.207.6519 Christmas at my house is Merry Christmas very fun! I like to open presents with my family. I like to Have a great 2018 put the star on the top of the Tax Planning & Preparation Services tree. I can have a Christmas party. I like to buy Christmas • Accounting and Payroll Services • Audit and Assurance Services ornaments. This is why Christ- mas at my house is fun! Castle Gibson, 6 • Estate and Trust Planning • Litigation Support and Forensic Accounting Brittany Ward’s First Grade Old Dock Elementary www.greenecocpa.com The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 3

Arianna Stevens, 8 Chloe Fowler, 7 Guilford Barnes, 8 Javionia Gowans, 7 Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Dear Santa

Martha Ferrari, 8 Tracy McGraw’s Second Grade Williams Township The starter tree

(A ChristmasBy DIANA MAtthEWS memory)

The year my husband and I got married, 1985, we didn’t get a Christmas tree. Neither of us felt it was necessary. For one thing, we were going to visit our parents’ homes for the holiday itself and wouldn’t be around to make sure a tree stayed watered. For another thing, we were poor, so we preferred to spend our money on something else, such as buying one gift together to share. That gift was a fish tank with all the equipment and rocks and fish. We wrapped up one of the decorative rocks to make Tru, 6 Saphira Rankin Pipper Baker it look more gifty. We loved that fish tank. We used to sit on the Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade living room floor and watch it as though it were a tv (which was Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary another thing we didn’t have). By the way, we got shared gifts for several years after that. One of my favorites was the matching red one-speed bicycles (we weren’t poor by then). Another great choice was a Fontanini nativity set, to which we added figures for about three Christmases. Our second year, I think someone shamed us into getting a tree. I believe the tree itself, plus a couple of boxes of uncolored lights and some basic ornaments, were our mutual present to each other in 1986. We chose one box of gold glass balls and one or two boxes of candy canes and a real handmade paper Moravian star. We lived in Winston-Salem at the time, and there was a Moravian church selling stars and candles at their love feast right in our neighborhood. The star had no hardware to attach it to the tree, just a loop of nearly invisible filament, so we suspended it from a tack in the ceiling. It appeared to hover right above the treetop. Together Randy and I took hours stringing popcorn into a long rope to wind around the tree. The candy canes were white, so, with a white star, gold-whitish popcorn and plain gold balls, we had the kind of minimalist look that you see in fancy home- Lakinzi Hamilton Miguel, 7 Kynley Scott, 7 decorating magazines, only we achieved it without really trying. Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade By the way, I have tried to find white candy canes again, and Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary it’s not easy. Someone ought to revive those. Over the years Randy and I collected a rainbow of ornaments, more of them than we could or would put on a tree all at the same time. Some represent places we’ve been; others were inherited from our parents or were given to us by friends. There are not very many ornaments of any one matching set in our collection. Like memories themselves, our ornaments are a mixed bunch, some prettier than others. Some are scratched up or losing their glitter. The overall tree has individuality. If we wanted to have a themed or monochromatic tree again, we could buy a bunch of matching, color-coordinated items and leave the familiar memory-laden keepsakes in the attic, but sentiment has always outweighed style. We wore out that first Moravian star and replaced it with another that had a light inside. That one fell apart a few years ago and was replaced by a mass-produced plastic star. I think Randy and I both look back on that first, super-simple starter tree as the most beautiful Christmas tree we ever decorated together, speaking in a purely esthetic sense. Its very lack of individuality showed that we’d only just begun our life together. As we started a new family, all of the experiences that Ashton Lanier Darron, 7 Journey Sutton would eventually become our shared Christmas memories were Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade Sarah Cash’s 1st Grade still in the future. Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary

Christmas presents and eat breakfast. We at my house go to Granddaddy’s sometimes and open presents there, too. I My mom and dad put orna- get clothes for Christmas. Me, ments on the Christmas tree. Granddaddy and my sisters My mom buys food for us. My go shopping for Mommy. We mom puts up 3 stockings. She give other people presents. We makes cookies on the table for have 3 stocking for me, Alexis Santa. My mom puts the lights and Sharlie! Christmas at my on the top of the house. Christ- house is the BEST!!! mas at my house is the BEST!!! Riley Suggs, 6 Johnny D., 7 Jon, 8 Kelli Perritte, 7 Michele Almoraz-Solis, 8 Guadalupe Avelino, 6 Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade Old Dock Elementary Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Old Dock Elementary

I will put rainbow lights on my Christmas tree. I will put ornaments on my tree, too. My tree is green. I will put cookies on my table for Santa Claus. I will put milk, too. My family is Merry Christmas Sara and Leo and my Mom and Dad. I love Christmas because Here’s it is the BEST!!! Alex Alvarado, 7 hoping Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade Old Dock Elementary Merry your holiday

Let me tell you about Christ- delivers mas at my house! I put my tree up. My mom shops for everything me. I have 3 stockings near the fireplace. I like the toys Christmas you’re that my mom gets me. I like Christmas. My mom and dad To all our customers, associates and their wishing for like Christmas. Christmas at families, go our best wishes for a happy my house is the BEST!!! and more. Ansley Crutchman, 6 and healthy holiday season. For the gift of Carrie Buffkin’s First Grade your trust, we are deeply grateful. Old Dock Elementary

Let me tell you about Christ- mas at my house! Mommy and c arE Daddy put up the Christmas M asEctoMy tree. Alexis, Sharlie and I have ExpErt a Christmas tree, too. Alexis, 702 Jefferson640-2939 Street, Whiteville Sharlie and I make cookies and we get milk. My sisters have to “The company with Heart” close my eyes so I won’t look Home Health Care, Inc. at the presents. We open the 117 W. Main Street, Whiteville presents on Christmas day! We Office: 640-2021 • Fax: 640-2022 go to my MaMa’s and we open The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 4 Dear Santa, Thank you Santa for all you Santa Christmas have done for me. Santa Santa I really want a pink Saint Nick Christmas four wheeler for Christmas Awesome Candy cane this year. Needs Rudolph Holiday Santa I really want a pink Toys Rudolph puppy for Christmas this year. A Jolly Man In a sleigh Santa I really want an I Pod Lillie King, 6 Santa for Christmas this year. Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Toys Tell the reindeer and Ru- Williams Township School Mary Angels dolph I said hello. I love you Santa! Santa Silent night Addilyn Faulk, 7 Sleigh Addi Bunch, 7 Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Awesome Kinley Reece Williams Township School Williams Township School Gabriella Andrews Nice Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Grade Elizabeth Spaulding’s 7th Grade Toys are fun Dear Santa, Art Class Art Class Away at the North Pole Christmas This year for Christmas I Hallsboro Middle School Hallsboro Middle School Chase Tyson, 6 Candy cane really want a baby doll. I want Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Hot chocolate a baby doll that talks. I love Williams Township School Rudolph In a sleigh you Santa. Kiley Faulk, 7 Santa Santa Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Sleigh ride The elves Williams Township School Awesome Santa Merry Christmas Needs helpers Angels Dear Santa, Takes toys to kids Seen a star Thank you for how much A big belly Reagan Ward, 6 you do for me every Christmas. Chase Gore, 7 Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Thank you for making Christ- Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Williams Township School mas be special. Williams Township School Christmas I would like a Rainbow Bar- bie Doll with rainbow hair. Let Santa Christ’s birthday her have a short dress and let Says “Ho, Ho, Ho” Holiday it be rainbow. A good husband Rudolph Gavin Patrick Olivia Dale Next I want a Po Go It. Can Nutcracker In a sleigh Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Grade Elizabeth Spaulding’s 7th Grade it be pink and blue? Tugs on toys Snow Art Class Art Class Next I want some books A red suit Time for Santa Hallsboro Middle School Acme Delco Middle School about fairies and unicorns. Eli Turbeville, 6 Many lights Tell Fred my elf I said to Sheila Lanier’s First Grade A baby is born hurry up and get here. Williams Township School Seen a star Keith Norris, 7 Eden Turbeville, 6 Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Christmas Williams Township School Williams Township School memory Christmas Christmas Memory Dear Santa This year I got to ride the Po- Dear Santa, memories lar Express. I got hot chocolate. I love you Santa, You are Christmas Memories It was fun! great. I put my Christmas tree My favorite Christmas mem- Aiden Deese, 6 in my room this year. ory is going to my Grandma’s Sheila Lanier’s First Grade This year I want you to bring house. I play with my cousins. Williams Township School me a makeup kit. I also want a I really like to play with them. Terry Edwards Karli Godwin Soggy Doggy game. It will be Their names are Brice, Kasey, Elizabeth Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class Christmas Memory fun to play with my mama and Brody, Haley, Kelin, Derek, Acme Delco Middle School Hallsboro Middle School Last Christmas I really daddy. The last thing I want to and all my other cousins. My wanted a tablet and I also want- ask for is a slime maker. I love second favorite memory is ed a purple PoGo Stick. I got to play with slime. getting presents and goodies them both!! I love Christmas so Tell Rudolph I said hello. at Grandma’s house. much!! I put milk and cookies Ansley Norris, 7 Noah Hoffman, 6 out for Santa every year. Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Sheila Lanier’s First Grade McKinzlee Bullock, 7 Williams Township School Williams Township School Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Williams Township School Where is Merry Christmas and WhereSanta? is Santa? Mrs. Claus called and said “Santa is missing.” I will get Rudolph to help me fi nd him. have a Safe New Year Let’s look under the bed. No he is not there. Let’s look in the woods. No he is not there. Let’s look under my Christmas tree. Visit our new Oh silly Santa, he is under my Christmas tree. Embry Simmons, 7 mattress gallery and save Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Williams Township School Where is Santa? Guaranteed Lowest Prices Oh no, have you heard? San- ta is missing. Embry and the reindeer will help me fi nd him. on Quality Name Brand Mattresses We did fi nd him. Santa had fell and rolled under the bed. Silly Santa! I am glad we found him. Name Brands: I really want presents. Xandria Williamson, 7 La-Z-Boy • Broyhill • Lane • Ashley • Many More Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Williams Township School 1423 North JK Powell Blvd., Whiteville Where is Santa? Oh no Santa is lost. I will on Hwy 701 at Hwy 74 Overpass 910-640-2900 call my family and friends to help me fi nd him. We will look in the snow fi rst. Next we will look at the North Pole. The elves can help too. We have been looking for him a long time. Yay!! We found him in his sleigh. I love you Santa!! Do not get lost again. Addison Greene, 6 Sheila Lanier’s First Grade Don’t Forget the Williams Township

Where is Santa? Merry Christmas & Oh no Santa Claus is miss- Reason for the Season... ing. Me and my friend Noah and Santa’s reindeer are going Happy New Year to fi nd him. We are going on an Our Lord Jesus Christ adventure. We will need Ru- As we approach the end of this year, we pause to dolph’s red nose to help us fi nd him. Yes, we found him on a give thanks for the opportunity we’ve had to serve so boat sleeping, zzzzz. “Let’s drop many fine customers. off these presents”, he says. Trey Todd, 7 We appreciate the confidence each of you has placed Sheila Lanier’s First Grade in us by allowing us to represent you in your real estate Williams Township School transactions. Where is Santa? We wish for you the very Merriest Christmas and Oh no, the elves called me Happy New Year, and we look forward to working for and said Santa is missing. you in the coming year. Let’ start looking for him. If we can’t fi nd him there won’t be any presents for the children. We looked and looked. We fi nally found him. He was looking for his reindeer in the Southern Tire & Muffler woods. Now that we have found 1123 South Madison Street, Whiteville Santa and his reindeer, they can fl y to the North Pole and (910) 642-4519 Jackie A. Pierce Ann Walters Eric Hill Ricky HarrelsonStephanie Wilson get the presents. 641-2676 640-7473 625-8199 770-4130 Office Manager Cooper Coleman, 7 Sheila Lanier’s First Grade 101 Courthouse Square, Whiteville • 642-8111 • jrayrealty.com Williams Township School The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 5

I celebrate Christmas because of Jesus dying on the Why I love cross for me and everyone else to be born. He knew that he Christmas would die but he did it, and that Why I Love Christmas is why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas is not just about I love Christmas. First, I what you receive, it is about love Christmas because I love Jesus’s birth. He is my savior the Christmas movies. Next, and that is why I celebrate I love Christmas because we Christmas. decorate the tree and make it Bethany Bowen, 8 look nice. Last, on Christmas Dana Scott, 3rd Grade morning I wake up and open Acme Delco Elementary presents. I love Christmas because it makes me feel like I am not alone. Dear Santa Claus, London Whitaker-Moore, 7 I want a JOJO SIWA kara- Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ Damien Stephens, 9 oke machine and a family feud First Grade Dana Scott’s 3rd Grade board game. I also want a my Evergreen Elementary Acme Delco Elementary life doll loft bed. Another thing I want is a my life doll school Why I Love Christmas set. I really want a miniature gum ball machine and I really I love Christmas. I love want a female elf on the shelf. Christmas because God is the And I want dork diaries all reason for Christmas. I also about me diary. Another thing love Christmas because my I want is a yummy nummies mom makes cookies. I really soda maker kit. I also want love Christmas. descendants spell book 2. The Abigail Collins, 7 last thing I want is a sweater Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ jean outfit for my life dolls. First Grade Jabri Dixon Well Santa I hope you and the Evergreen Elementary Dana Scott’s 3rd Grade reindeer are doing good and Acme Delco Elementary you’re getting enough cookies. Nancy Aycock, 8 Dana Scott, 3rd Grade Acme Delco Elementary Dear Santa Distiny Robbins Dear Santa Dear Santa, Dana Scott’s 3rd Grade Dear Santa, This Christmas I am 5 years Acme Delco Elementary old. This year I have been I hope you are having a good day. I have a lot on my list for good some of the time. What I Christmas and I am hoping you can make some for me. How are would like most this most this your reindeer? How are you? Santa here are the things I want Christmas a four wheeler and for Christmas. I want an American girl doll, a paint set, princess my very own elves. Lots and dolls, a Barbie doll house, Barbie dolls, palace pets, a baby alive lots of elves. I promise to leave doll, Barbie doll dogs, cute bath bombs, 12 days of Christmas out cookies and milk for you. ornaments, JoJo Siwa posters, JoJo Siwa bows, JoJo siwa bed Merry Christmas Santa! set and that is all Santa. Thank you. Love, Kailie Smith, 9 Abigail Dana Scott, 3rd Grade Abigail Holmes, 5 Acme Delco Elementary Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ First Grade Dear Santa, Evergreen Elementary This is what I want for Christmas an iphone, legos , American Dear Santa, girl doll, a drawing book, a tablet, bike, dog, boots, and a jacket. This Christmas I am 6 years Most of all I want everybody and everything to have a good year next year and a Merry Christmas. old. This year I have been a Summer Smith Jirah Ward-Gorham, 9 little naughty, but mostly nice. Ms. Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Dana Scott, 3rd Grade What I would like most this Grade Art Class Gracie Coyle, 9 Acme Delco Elementary Christmas is a toy car and a Dana Scott’s 3rd Grade Acme Delco Middle School Frozen doll. I will leave out Acme Delco Elementary cookies and milk for you. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Cece P.S. Please say “hi” to Ru- Come Let Us Adore dolph for me! Cecelia Greene, 6 Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ First Grade Him! Evergreen Elementary

Dear Santa, To cherished friends, I am 6 years old. This year, I From Brenda Worley Realty have been good all of the time. old and new . . . This Christmas what I would May your heart be like most is a Robot dog and a Robot Unicorn. I promise joyful, and your to leave out cookies and milk spirit lifted, as we for you! Merry Christmas! celebrate the miracle Love, Madison of Christmas. Madison Bullard, 6 Thank you for your Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ First Grade patronage. Evergreen Elementary May you have a Dear Santa, Rusty Worley - Broker, Brenda Worley - Broker blessed year. This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year I have been very good. What I would like most for Christmas is a Nintendo 2277 James B White Hwy. North switch and baby dolls. I will Phone 642-9970 • Evenings 642-4200 leave out cookies and milk for Fax 642-9983 CLARK’S you! Please say hi to Frosty the email: [email protected] Snowman for me! AUTO GLASS & TRUCK TOPS www.whitevillenc.com/bworleyrealty Merry Christmas! 123 East Commerce St., Whiteville • 642-0134 Love, Kenzie Kenzie Martin, 6 Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ First Grade Evergreen Elementary Dear Santa, Christmas Means Love . . . I am 7 years old. This year, I have been good. What I would like for Christmas is a dirt bike From all of us to all of you... and a rocket. I promise I will leave out cookies and milk for best wishes for a very happy holiday season. you. Please tell Rudolph Merry Christmas from me. Love, And we offer love every day, Lyric Lyric Bailey, 7 because we think tires are the Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ First Grade most important equipment Evergreen Elementary you put on your car. Dear Santa, I am 6 years old and this Thank you for allowing Christmas I have been good. What I would like for Christ- us to help protect mas is an I-phone and a tablet. I will leave out cookies and those you love. milk for you. Please tell Mrs. Claus hello and Merry Christ- mas from me. Merry Christmas Santa! I love you. Teiyah BLACK’S TIRE SERVICE Teiyah Cheatham Celebrating Over 80 Years of Business in Columbus County Erica Jackson’s Kindergarten/ First Grade 1915 South Madison Street, Whiteville • 642-3191 Evergreen Elementary The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 6

Diana Sandoval, 9 Anna Kiarra Jones, 10 Anthony Robinson, 9 Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary

Elijah Smith, 10 Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary

Jakob, 11 Jasmine Lagunas Gomez, 9 Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary

JC Mitchell, 10 Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary

Zayon Webb, 9 Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary

Raegan Bullard, 10 Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary

Verenice Tapia Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary

from Jimmy’s Barber & Beauty Shop 115 Pecan St., Whiteville • 640-3087 Nate Best, 9 Layla Myers, 9 Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Brittany Batson’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary With Best Wishes All Around

Nicholas Mitchell Sarah Faulk We wish you every happiness during this holiday season. Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class 8th Grade Hallsboro Middle School Cerro Gordo Elementary School We thank you for placing your trust in us and for allowing us to serve you this past year. We look forward to serving you in the future. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Walters Surgical Associates Ronald M. Walters, M.D., FACS Registered Vascular Technologist David L. Greco, M.D., FACS, Christopher J. Helak, D.O. Christian Nobles Danayzia McMillon 6th Grade 8th Grade 220 Jefferson Street, Whiteville • 642-3214 Cerro Gordo Elementary School Evergreen Elementary School The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 7

toys. My pet Merry Nathan Todd, 6 Ashley Porter’s First Grade reindeer Christmas Williams Township Elementary Merry Christmas My Pet Reindeer I love Christmas because I love my pet reindeer. My Jesus and God have a birthday. Christmas reindeer are cute. The reindeer Christmas is my favorite holi- are fast and strong. day. When you are asleep Santa traditions Danny Martinez Chase Batten, 6 Brooke Manning Isabella Best comes at night and brings Christmas Traditions Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade Ashley Porter’s First Grade Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade presents to the big and little I will have Christmas with Acme-Delco Elementary Williams Township Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary kids. Santa is a sweet man. Do my mom and daddy. We are you have a Christmas tree with going to build a gingerbread ornaments and lights? When house with my family. My Dear Santa it is Christmas Santa comes mom, daddy, brother, and I go Dear Santa to you and gives you presents see the Christmas lights. We For Christmas I would like under your Christmas tree. are going to my nanny and some presents. I want a North This Christmas me, Konner, papa’s house. We are going to Pole Barbie, LOL dolls, and 123 and Luke will see Santa and wake up and I will wake up Blocks for Billy. I want a LOL take pictures. In the snow we my family. I am going to go out game and a LOL dress. I have can make a snowman. and see if the reindeer ate their Leigha Reaves been good this year. Kelsey Freedle, 7 carrots and we are going to Samuel Hampton Aviauna Frederick Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade MaRaysha Bellamy, 6 Ashley Porter’s First Grade open presents. We are going to Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Ashley Porter’s First Grade Williams Township Elementary granny and pa’s house to open Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Williams Township Elementary presents too. Briggs Watts, 6 Dear Santa My Christmas Ashley Porter’s First Grade For Christmas I want a Williams Township Elementary new baby brother. I want some memory snow. I want a LOL doll. Eden Cartrette, 6 My Christmas Memory Ashley Porter’s First Grade I was sleeping in my bed. I My Elf Williams Township Elementary heard ho ho ho. I went down Snowflake Tania Carachure stairs and I saw Santa. He was Francisco Hernandez Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade Dear Santa delivering presents. I saw his My Elf Snowflake Acme-Delco Elementary I want a Ripstik and a re- Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade reindeer. It was cool and I went My elf is the sweetest in Jayla Freeman Acme-Delco Elementary mote control Spiderman. I back to sleep. the whole wide world. She cut want a real remote car. I want Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade Bentley Hardee, 6 up my mom’s vinyl paper. She another bicycle too. Acme-Delco Elementary Ashley Porter’s First Grade was mad as fire. She did not Otis Martin, 6 Williams Township Elementary move. My elf was sleeping on Ashley Porter’s First Grade my couch. It was so funny. I Williams Township Elementary My Christmas Memory am going to see Santa at the Santa gives us presents for North Pole and he will give me Santa the little good boys and girls a treat. It is a Christmas tree I love Santa. He brings around the world. In my fam- brownie. He will give me a big Ailin Urenda-Lopez Mercedes Banks people Christmas presents ily we do a show for momma bag with a coloring book and Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade when they go to sleep. I want and daddy. Then we eat and a plate of cookies and a juice Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Santa to bring me a bike for play with daddy until it is time box to go with it. Christmas is Christmas. for bed. I go to sleep. The next my birthday. I am going to see Jada Robinson, 6 morning we are sad but Christ- Santa’s elves at his workshop. Ashley Porter’s First Grade mas will be back again. Some I am going to see Santa’s rein- Williams Township Elementary families put a ginger bread deer. I am doing good in class. I house in the kitchen. Some hope I get a lot of presents and Dear Santa families put up Christmas a lot of toys. I want a Hoverboard and a lights. In my family we go see Greenley Wiggins, 6 Xavier King new born baby doll for Christ- Christmas lights in Conway. It Ashley Porter’s First Grade Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade mas. I would like a scooter and is called the Conway Celebra- Williams Township Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary a bicycle too. tion of Lights. In the lights you Scherrie Freeman, 6 get to listen to Christmas mu- Ashley Porter’s First Grade sic. When you are in the lights Williams Township Elementary you will see lots of Rudolph noses. I loved it. On the way we see Santa. We take pictures and Santa and on the way we watch movies. That night we were watching his elves Chicken Little. He is crazy. He said the sky is falling when a Santa and his Elves nut feel on his head. When we Santa Claus and the elves left we put on the movie Sing. bring presents to me. The I love to watch sing. elves like Christmas. They are Lily Hemminger, 6 happy all the time. They like Ashley Porter’s First Grade to open presents too. The elves Williams Township Elementary play with all the toys that they to all our Customers and Friends! make. Montarion Singleton, 6 Ashley Porter’s First Grade Christmas Eve HOLIDAY HOURS Williams Township Elementary Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve I leave December Santa some cookies and milk. He will bring some toys. I will Santa Claus at Hilleri Stukes leave Santa a wheel barrel for 24th, 25th & 26th • Closed Ms. Elizabeth Spaulding’s 7th Grade Art Class his elves so he can bring lots of Christmas Acme Delco Middle School goodies and a fidget spinner for December 31st • Closed Santa Claus at Christmas Cameron. My mom and I went into the Greyson Moseley, 6 kitchen. We saw Santa Claus. Ashley Porter’s First Grade Wishing You A MerryJanuary Christmas 1st • Closed Then my mom and I took a Williams Township Elementary picture with Santa. Sofia Mendoza-Castilo, 6 Merry Christmas! Ashley Porter’s First Grade May all your wishes come true. Williams Township Elementary Gingerbread JOE’S BBQ Green Hill Drive (Behind Lowe’s) • 642-3511 Man We are sincerely grateful for your patronage this year and look Christmas Gingerbread Man forward to serving you in the future. Christmas My gingerbread man is I like Christmas because coming to town. He saw Santa Whiteville Mini Mall Santa comes. On Christmas it Claus. Santa told the ginger- is Jesus’ birthday. This year bread man to make some toys. (behind Time Saver) his birthday is on a Sunday. I Santa Claus delivered all the 640-DOGS (3647) get presents on Christmas too. www.adorablecanines.com Cameron Fipps, 6 Ashley Porter’s First Grade Williams Township Elementary

Christmas I love Santa. He is jolly. He gives us presents every Merry Christmas Christmas night and he is nice. Christmas is not about From Our Family to Yours opening presents. It is about being together and being with your family and friends. I love Christmas. Desiree Moss, 7 Ashley Porter’s First Grade Williams Township Elementary

Christmas On a snowy morning I like to make snow angels. I eat Christmas dinner. I go sledding. Colton Malpass, 7 HOPE. DREAM. LAUGH. Ashley Porter’s First Grade Williams Township Elementary REJOICE. Merry Christmas and many thanks for your goodwill and support all year long. Christmas time From the entire firm here at S. Preston Douglas & Associates, LLP. Christmas Time I decorate my Christmas tree. I put the ornaments on S. PreSton DouglaS & aSSociateS, llP the tree. I see Santa Claus. I take pictures. Member: American Institute of CPAs, NC Association of CPAs Tempest Fowler, 6 106 Cameron St. Ashley Porter’s First Grade 122 Memory Plaza, Whiteville • 910-642-6692 Williams Township Elementary Lake Waccamaw • (910) 646-3132 www.spdouglas.com The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 8

so much fun! My favorite Caymen Freeman, 7 Ginger Bass’s Second Grade Christmas Old Dock Elementary My favorite Christmas My favorite Christmas memory is when I got a neck- memory is when I got a Mario lace from a boy. I was so happy set and I drove it on the track. when I saw it! It was so pretty. I had fun with it so much. It I could not believe my eyes! It drove fast! Cole and I played the was the best present. I liked it Mario set too and we had fun! so much I wore it every day. It was the greatest! Jesse Edge, 7 Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Ella Watson, 7 Old Dock Elementary Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Old Dock Elementary My favorite Christmas memory is when I’m with my My favorite Christmas family on the day Santa comes. memory is when I got a robot I enjoy hanging out with my that lit up in the night. The family on Christmas. lights helped me see in the dark No name and I still have the robot. Lilly Cox, 7 Tarrell Jones Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class Elizabeth Spaulding’s Art Class Angel Vasquez, 7 Old Dock Elementary Hallsboro Middle School Hallsboro Middle School Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Old Dock Elementary My favorite Christmas memory is opening presents on My favorite Christmas Christmas. I found a big present memory is the Christmas mu- and when I opened it, it was a toy sical we had last year at school. car for me to drive. I went fast! We danced to the songs. Our This was my favorite memory. class was with the other second grade class. The song we sang Tessa Cook, 7 was Rudolph the Red Nose Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Reindeer. I hope all kids have Old Dock Elementary a very good Christmas! My favorite Christmas Cierra Sasser, 7 memory is that we always eat Ginger Bass’ Second Grade pizza for Christmas. My whole Old Dock Elementary family comes to my house. We have so much fun! My favorite Christmas memory is decorating my Analia Cardenas, 8 yard. I put infl atables in my Ginger Bass’ Second Grade yard. I decorate the windows. Old Dock Elementary I decorate the back porch too. I put Christmas wreaths out. My favorite Christmas mem- Zane Harrelson Harmony Somerville Everything is always beautiful! ory is cutting our Christmas Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class Elizabeth Spaulding’s 7th Grade Art Class Brynley Sasser, 8 tree. First, we drove fi ve hours Acme Delco Middle School Hallsboro Middle School Ginger Bass’ Second Grade to Boone. It was a long drive. Old Dock Elementary My brother and I watched TV. My favorite memory is Next, we went to our cabin. when I was 2 I tried to eat the We ate McDonald’s for lunch. Christmas paper! I did like my We played games too. Finally, toys. This is so funny to me! we cut our tree. The farm had Noah Rich, 8 apple cider and cookies. It Ginger Bass’ Second Grade snowed that night. We had fun! Old Dock Elementary Lenzy Callahan, 8 Ginger Bass’ Second Grade My favorite Christmas Old Dock Elementary memory was when I found the elf Jessie in the Christmas My favorite Christmas mem- tree. She stayed there for three ory is when we went Christmas days. Jessie watched my sister shopping. We bought clothes and I open presents while she and toys. We had so much fun! sat in the Christmas tree. I I can’t wait to see Santa! Antonio Graham PEACE. JOY. THANKS! hope Jessie comes back this Gavin Butler, 7 Jeri Bridger’s 2nd Grade year! Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Timothy Milligan, 7 Old Dock Elementary Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Old Dock Elementary My favorite Christmas memory is when my family My favorite Christmas and I went to a restaurant in memory is when Mom and I Myrtle Beach. We ate some decorate the Christmas tree. seafood. It was so good! We have a good time together Samuel Terrell, 8 while we decorate the Christ- Ginger Bass’ Second Grade mas tree. Old Dock Elementary Sarah Reaves, 8 Ginger Bass’ Second Grade My favorite Christmas Old Dock Elementary memory is last year when I got a Nintendo. I like it because My favorite Christmas you can play games on the memory is when mom, dad, Nintendo. It has 10 games on it! Alana Bordeaux, 7 Aunt Robin, Uncle Timmy and Kinley Barnes, 8 M. Bridger’s 2ndGrade I went to see the Christmas Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Acme Delco Elementary lights. We saw a Gingerbread Old Dock Elementary house with lights. We saw a little train that was real. We Your friendship and support make it all worthwhile. saw animals that were real. I hope that my family and I get to Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and look at more Christmas lights a healthy, prosperous New Year. this year. Will Jacobs, 7 Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Old Dock Elementary Edwin Russ Columbus County Commissioner My favorite memory is putting up the Christmas tree If you’re traveling this holiday season, please be sure to every year. I like putting on the ornaments. They are pretty observe all traffic laws and arrive safely at your destination. and different colors. My grandma lets me put them anywhere Christopher Avellaneda, 7 Adrian Shipman, 8 I want. After the tree is put M. Bridger’s 2ndGrade M. Bridger’s 2ndGrade up I wait for the presents to go Acme Delco Elementary Acme Delco Elementary under the tree. Riley Shepherd, 8 Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Old Dock Elementary • CHEMICALS My favorite Christmas memory is when my daddy • SEED • FERTILIZER gave my mommy a ring on Christmas day. My mommy • CUSTOM BLENDING was so, so, so happy when she got the ring! You should have seen her face when she got the • DELIVERY ring! She looked like she was excited and surprised! • PRECISION SPREADING Allyson Herring, 8 Ginger Bass’ Second Grade • PRECISION SOIL Old Dock Elementary

My favorite Christmas SAMPLING AVAILABLE memory is when Santa gave me a Barbie doll. It was my • HELICOPTER & PLANE favorite memory because it had a house to play with. The SPRAYING AVAILABLE Barbie doll had a dress with hearts on. The doll’s eyes looked blue. The Barbie doll Serving the agricultural industry with the finest products at competitive prices was fun to play with! Tatiana Hernandez, 8 Ginger Bass’ Second Grade Old Dock Elementary HARVEY’S SOUTHEAST My favorite Christmas • Al Davis • Don Formyduval, Jr • Don Formyduval • Linda Clark • Ray Dameron • Matthew Simmons memory is eating at my cousin’s house. We ate chocolate • Chris Edge • Rick Morris • Nathan Sellers • Mike Bianchini • Paul Hathaway • Bill Edmund chip ice cream and cookies. We hung ornaments on the tree HWY 701 N. WHITEVILLE 642-5872 and we opened presents. It was The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 9

mas. I also want a lava lamp. Dear Santa I help my mama wash the Dear Santa, dishes. I also help her clean up. I know you are coming to I wish my daddy could have a my house and to the other kids’ truck because he is nice to me. houses too. I have been good at Love, school and at home. I have been Katelynn, 8 mature to people by holding Marlene Capps’ Second Grade the door open for Ms. Capps Cerro Gordo Elementary and my classmates. I even hold the door for people that walk in Dear Santa, and out of stores. I even hold I want a new gun for Christ- the door for my family. Now mas. I have done a lot of work Isaiah Jones, 8 Henry Spaulding, 7 I am going to tell you what I on the farm. I have helped my M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade want for Christmas. I want a papa work on his four-wheeler Acme Delco Elementary Acme Delco Elementary Nintendo Switch. because it does not work. I Love, would like you to bring my Ronald, 8 sister some DVDs because she Marlene Capps’ Second Grade likes to watch movies. Cerro Gordo Elementary Love, River, 7 Dear Santa, Marlene Capps’ Second Grade I have been good to my fam- Cerro Gordo Elementary ily and I want some cool Legos Jazmin Sandoval, 7 M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade to play with for Christmas. Ev- Dear Santa, Acme Delco Elementary ery day I take Ms. Capps’ lunch For Christmas I want a toy Kaybre Cummings, 8 Lesly Castillo, 9 box back to the room and put it car. I help my daddy with his M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade up for her. My wish is that my work by passing him his tools. Acme Delco Elementary Acme Delco Elementary dad gets a tool case to put all I help my mom by drying the his tools in. He has lots of tools. dishes for her. I wish that all Love, girls and boys will have homes Hunter, 7 this Christmas. Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Love, Cerro Gordo Elementary Ricardo, 8 Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Dear Santa, Cerro Gordo Elementary I have been good this year and I have been helping my Dear Santa, mom clean the house. I helped For Christmas I want a Lexi Fant, 7 Payten Harvey, 7 my baby brother pick up his basketball goal. I have tried M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade stuff. That is why I should get hard to be good. I help my Acme Delco Elementary Acme Delco Elementary this toy, a reborn baby. The next mama make up her bed. I am a thing I really want is for every- good big brother to my sister, one to have a good Christmas Saniyah. I wish that my friend this year. I want everyone to Ricardo can come to my house have a great Christmas Eve too. and play with my toys. Roderick Waddell, 8 Love, Love, M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade Lala, 7 Travion, 8 Acme Delco Elementary Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Cerro Gordo Elementary

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a toy I would like a puppy for Zaniyah Patrick, 7 Zayden Webb, 8 truck. I helped my dad clean Christmas, but first you have M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade up the yard. I also helped my to ask my mama about it. I Acme Delco Elementary Acme Delco Elementary mom clean her room. My wish have helped my mama wash is for my baby niece, Brittany dishes. I also helped my big to have a doll. sister clean up her room. I wish Love, I could help all the kids clean Ivan, 7 up their rooms. Braydon Best Chloe Long, 8 Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Love, Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Emilie, 8 Williams Township Williams Township Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Dear Santa, Cerro Gordo Elementary I want a bridle and a saddle because I have to use someone Dear Santa, else’s bridle and saddle. I take This year I want a pair of care of my horse, Lightning. roller skates and headphones. I I also take care of Katrina’s helped my mother peel the tape horses-sometimes. I hope that off the box so we could get the Ms. Capps gets her sign and Christmas tree out of it. Then has a good Christmas. I helped my mother put up the Love, tree and decorate it. My wish Andrew, 8 is that my Aunt Rina gets a pet Marlene Capps’ Second Grade dog for Christmas. Cerro Gordo Elementary Love, Dear Santa, Jamir, 9 I deserve a dog for Christ- Marlene Capps’ Second Grade mas because I helped some Cerro Gordo Elementary women by holding the door Trinity Skipper open for them. I also helped Dear Santa, Mrs. C. Spaulding’s 7th Grade Art Class my dad with the dishes. Ms. I want a dog and a new house Central Middle School Capps deserves a sign to go on for my grandma, David, and me. her door because she works I helped my mama clean up the so hard. house. I also helped my daddy Love, clean up his house. I wish for Jalen, 9 my grandma to have a new bed Marlene Capps’ Second Grade because her bed is kind of old. Cerro Gordo Elementary Love, May you enjoy all the blessings this Sara, 8 Dear Santa, Marlene Capps’ Second Grade wonderful time of year has to offer. I want all kinds of make-up Cerro Gordo Elementary Your generosity and support have for Christmas. I have been helping my mom by playing with meant so much to us. my baby sister while my mom cooks. I also helped my mom Season’s Greetings. This holiday season we re delivering best wishes to all decorate our Christmas tree. those who have been so good to us this past year. My wish is that every kid would Abundance of Love Adult Day Care get something for Christmas. 212 East Columbus St., Whiteville • 914-0711 Quality Cleaners Love, Tiekerah Tisdale, 8 Owner: Betty Studivant 107 Frazier St., Whiteville • 642-8146 Raylee Castillo, 7 Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Williams Township Cerro Gordo Elementary

Dear Santa, I want some pencils, a pencil box, and some cars for Christ- PLAY IT WITH mas. Can I get one more thing? I wish for the poor children to have a home this Christmas. I helped Ms. Capps by being Merry Christmas good and helping her do stuff. I also washed the dishes for my JOY ! from all of us to all of you. grandma. P.S. I won’t forget to leave cookies and milk out for you and food for the reindeer! Love, Braydon, 7 Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary

Dear Santa, I would like to have a whole summer to spend with my family for Christmas this year. I help my mom with her work by printing things off for her. I also climbed up on the roof and helped my dad take nails Customers like you are worth making from the roof. I wish that you could give all the children who noise about. Here’s hoping you have Town of Bolton are poor food. Shawn Maynor, Mayor Love, the best Christmas ever! Marisol, 7 Board of Aldermen: Daniel Brown, Marlene Capps’ Second Grade Lee Freeman, Gary Graham, Cerro Gordo Elementary Eugene Neal, Sam’s Pit Stop and Ruth Waddell Dear Santa, 7 locations in Columbus County to serve you I want a puppy for Christ- The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 10 It has butterfl ies on the basket My favorite that light up. It has big wheels. I love Christmas. Christmas Jaycie H ammond, 7 Nancy Bennet t’s S econd Grade My favorite Christmas Old Dock Elementary memory is when I got an electric scooter. My sister got a My favorite Christmas mini cooper. My Aunt Heather memory is when my family spent the night with me and and I were together. I got my my sister. We rode down the fi rst bike that Christmas. We Elijah Salling, 7 Eric Mitchell, 8 road and I had so much fun. sat around and ate soup. I like Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade I also got a little make-up set it when my dad hugs me at Williams Township Williams Township and after I rode my scooter I Christmas time. We like to play done make-up on my mom, my in the snow. I like it when I get sister, and my Aunt Heather. presents at Christmas. We had a bunch of candy too. Eduardo Cas taneda, 8 Jacob Hison Jayda Williams, 7 I had so much fun I hope this Nancy Bennet t’s S econd Grade Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Christmas will be fun. Old Dock Elementary Williams Township Williams Township Emma W ard, 7 Nancy Be nnett’s S econd G rade My favorite Christmas Old Dock Elementary memory is when all my family went to the Polar Express. My favorite Christmas We got on the train and we Jaydon McPherson, 8 Kenley Strickland, 7 memory is when I got a heli- watched the movie Polar Ex- Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade copter from Santa. I played press. We saw Santa Clause Williams Township Williams Township with it in my room for a long and his elves. We got to drink time. It came with army people hot chocolate and eat chocolate and lots of weapons. I also got candy. We saw his reindeer and a little stuffed dog. It was a Mrs. Claus. We even had tick- Kyleigh Norris, 7 Ryleigh Morrall, 7 golden retriever. I had so much ets like on the Polar Express Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade fun with my new toys. movie. We stayed in the motel. Williams Township Williams Township Colton S trickland, 8 When we were on the train we Nancy Be nnett’s Second G rade saw lots of houses. Old Dock El ementary Mallory Gore, 7 Nancy Bennet t’s Second Grade Zamilah Riggins, 9 My favorite Christmas River Timmons, 7 Old Dock Elementary Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade memory is when Santa Claus Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Williams Township Williams Township gave me a puppy. I got up and My favorite Christmas mem- found him under the tree. I ory is when I got a computer. I played with him. I take care of was so excited. It was awesome! him because I am big. I love my I played with it all Christmas Christmas memory and I love day. I loved it. Thanks Santa Sabrina Hernandez, 8 Sydney Schnapp, 7 Christmas. and his reindeer too. I loved Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Sara A lvarado, 9 that Christmas. Williams Township Williams Township Nancy Be nnett’s Second G rade Michael G arner, 7 Old Dock Elementary Nancy Bennet t’s Second Grade Old Dock Elementary My favorite Christmas TJ Durant, 8 Vivian Coleman, 7 memory is when I was four. My favorite Christmas Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade Tracy McGraw’s 2nd Grade I got a robot dinosaur with a memory is when I got an elec- Williams Township Williams Township remote control. I also got other tric guitar. It was so much fun stuff that was so cool. My robot to play. It was fun when I got a dinosaur has gray stripes and little truck. I still play with it it can roar. I love seeing pres- all the time. I also got a Drone ents under the Christmas tree. and a fl ashlight. Landon H oopes, 7 Kamden Hill, 7 Nancy Be nnett’s Second G rade Nancy Bennet t’s S econd Grade Old Dock El ementary Old Dock Elementary

My favorite Christmas My favorite Christmas memory is when my family Angelina Adams, 7 Claire Coker, 7 memory is when I got a new Colton Hamilton, 8 Jyquez Bracey, 8 and I went to Kentucky. It was Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade bike. Then after my family Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade a long ride there. We played in Williams Township Williams Township opened all our presents we ate Williams Township Williams Township the snow. The snow was very the best meal. We had mashed deep. We stayed in a hotel. We potatoes and gravy. We also had lots of presents in Ken- had macaroni and cheese. Af- tucky. ter we ate we waited on Papa Corey Mit chell, 7 Wahoo, Tiffany and Tater and Nancy Be nnett’s S econd G rade Grayson so we could open more Old Dock Elementary presents. Arianna Fr eeman, 8 My favorite Christmas Nancy Bennet t’s Second Grade memory is when my family Old Dock Elementary and I went to Pirates Voyage. Connor Thomason, 7 Drake Nobles, 8 It was the best think in my My favorite Christmas Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade life. I love the part when the memory is last Christmas. I Williams Township Williams Township birds fl ew over my head. The got three toy cars from Santa best part was when the ships Claus. One car was red and came out of the water. The next the other two cars were green. morning when I woke up it I also got Legos. I had a lot of was time to open the presents. fun playing with my new toys. Santa brought me a pink bike. Brandon Ox endine, 8 I was so happy because Santa Nancy Bennet t’s Second Grade brought me what I asked for. Old Dock Elementary Irennasya G ause, 8 Nancy Bennet t’s Second G rade My favorite Christmas EJ Jones, 8 Kayla Campbell, 7 McKENZIE Old Dock Elementary memory is when mom woke Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade me up to see if there was some- Williams Township Williams Township My favorite Christmas thing under the tree for me. MORTUARY memory is when we decorate There were presents under the ents with my family. I had lots brought me three puppies. Funeral Service Since 1890 our Christmas tree. It is so tree and a note. It said Merry and lots of fun. I had big pres- One puppy was a Chihuahua. It much fun when we get pres- and joy. You’re a good child. ent. I wondered what it was. I is black and tan. It sleeps with ents. I love Christmas. The note was from Santa Claus. was so excited. I could not wait me. I named her Pebbles. I also David R odriguez, 7 It was great news. I was happy to open all the presents. I got a got a Pit Bull mixed puppy. It is 112 Jefferson Street Nancy Bennet t’s S econd G rade like a butterfl y. big jeep. white and brown and I named Old Dock Elementary Victoria Sanchez, 8 Whiteville Deisy Ramirez, 8 him Boots. I got a Rottweiler Nancy Bennet t’s Second Grade Nancy Bennett’s Second Grade My favorite Christmas puppy named Swiper. I love 642-2128 Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary memory is when I got a puppy. playing with my dogs. I love my puppy so much. Her Megan Looney, 8 My favorite Christmas My favorite Christmas name is Riley. I hope to get a Nancy Bennett’s Second Grade memory is when I opened pres- memory was when Santa bike and a smart board this Old Dock Elementary Christmas. Kammie H inson, 7 Nancy Be nnett’s S econd G rade Old Dock Elementary

My favorite Christmas memory is when we decorate the Christmas tree. I love to decorate stuff. It is so much fun. It looks so pretty when from Whiteville Rentals everything is decorated for Thanks For Your Business. Have a great 2018! Christmas. I love getting presents for Christmas. Maysaylynn G ore, 7 Nancy Be nnett’s Second G rade Old Dock Elementary

My favorite Christmas memory is when I woke up and went to the Christmas tree but what I wanted was not at the tree. I went in my bedroom and the drums I wanted were in my room. I remember we went We greatly appreciate your kindness and your to church and when I got home I had my fi rst pool table. That patronage, and we look forward to serving you in 2018. Christmas my cousin Nolan Thank you, and best wishes! had to go in the pool and the water was so cold. WE RENT THEM ALL! Grayson T hompson, 7 Large Equipment Small Equipment Nancy Be nnett’s Second G rade 702 Jefferson St. Old Dock Elementary Whiteville Day Week Monthly www.whitevillerentals.com My favorite Christmas (910) 640-2939 memory is getting a bike. It is turquoise. It has stickers on the WHITEVILLE RENTALS 344 Vinson Blvd. (Hwy. 130 East) Whiteville, NC • Phone 642-6642 side and a basket on the front. The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 11

craft. Next, I want Nintendo Dear Santa Switch because I can play Minecraft in story mode. I like Dear Santa, to play it outside. For Christmas I would like a Sincerely, Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Chase Odyssey, and Splatoon. First, Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade I want a Switch because it is Cerro Gordo Elementary a video game system. Next I want Super Mario Odyssey be- Dear Santa, cause it is a video game. Last, I For Christmas I would like Kolby McPherson, 7 Mollie Turner, 7 No name Talil Gerald, 7 want Splatoon because it looks Cosmo, a pogo stick, and an elf Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade cool when “Think Noodles” on the shelf. First, I would like Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township played it. Also, I would like a Cosmo because he is cool. I another video game. would like a pogo stick because Sincerely, I want one and I’ve never had Lucas one. Last, I would like an elf be- Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade cause I never had one. Please! Cerro Gordo Elementary Sincerely, Kyleigh Dear Santa, Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade For Christmas I would like a Cerro Gordo Elementary cat because it is soft, and some Lego blocks because they are Dear Santa, Xander Todd, 7 Asher Grice, 8 Bryson Keisler, 7 Caleb Sellers, 7 fun. I would like an Xbox 160 For Christmas I would like Leighann McPherson’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade because they are fun. a Xbox1X, games for it, and a Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Sincerely, Nintendo switch. First I want Joseph an Xbox1X because it is popu- Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade lar. Next, I want game for it. Cerro Gordo Elementary Last, I want a Nintendo switch because I can play online. Sincerely, Dear Santa, Langston For Christmas I would like Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade a toy big truck, GGT5A, and an Cerro Gordo Elementary Xbox1X. First, I want a toy big truck because I will play with Dear Santa Darius L. Bellamy, 8 Duncan Worley, 7 Dylan McPherson, 8 Emmi Fowler, 7 it. Next, I want GT5A because For Christmas I would like a Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade it is fun to drive. Last, I would tablet. The best kind in my life. Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township like a Xbox1X because I play Sincerely, GT5A. Elizabeth Sincerely, Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Daniel Cerro Gordo Elementary Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like Dear Santa, a hover board, Xbox1X, and For Christmas I want a stuffed animals. First I want spider man homecoming web a hover board because they wing, an Army and Ninja are the best. Next, I want an Turtle, and a Lego Batman and Xbox1X because I can play it No name Kendall Long, 8 Levi Benton, 7 Madison Jacobs, 8 Spider Man. When I grow up every day and play GT5A. Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade I’m getting me a horse power Sincerely, Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township Williams Township dirt bike, motorcycle, and a Jamar four wheeler. I’m getting me a Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade computer and a drone. Me and Cerro Gordo Elementary my family are getting a pool and a ninja turtle PlayStation. Dear Santa, Then I’m going to be a scien- For Christmas I would like tist and I’m going to get me an a mini gun, float gun, and a iPhone. grenade launcher. First, I want Sincerely, a mini gun so I can hunt deer. I Brandon just want these things. Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Sincerely, Cerro Gordo Elementary Haiden Sawyer Coleman, 7 Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Savannah Nance Dear Santa, Cerro Gordo Elementary Williams Township 6th Grade I want for Christmas a GTA5 Chadbourn Middle game. I want a dirt bike from Dear Santa, Sam’s. I want a four wheeler, For Christmas I want a dirt a real one. bike and for my family to get Sincerely, along. Kevin Sincerely, Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Kayleigh Ty Tisdale, 7 Cerro Gordo Elementary Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Phyllis Lanier’s 2nd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Williams Township Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a few books, math books, and a laptop. First I would like some books because I would like to read on my family trips and I would get AR points. Next, I would like math books because it is fun to do math. Last, I would like a laptop because I like to play games. Sincerely, Eli Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade With our thanks for Cerro Gordo Elementary your business all year long! Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a Bar- bie camper because my other on is a pet house. I also want a Nintendo Switch because my Memory Enterprises friend will play with me. Last, Memory Plaza • Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park I want a new pair of shoes Etna Cruz because I am running out of Powell Plaza • Land Development • Office Rentals C. Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class shoes and I will wear them to Central Middle School Memory Plaza Whiteville, NC 642-5824 1-800-323-0541 school all the time. Sincerely, Maggie Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Dear Santa, Happy Holidays For Christmas I would like Roblox, toys, dirt bike men, and a red elf on the shelf. I want Roblox toys because I like them. I play the game. Next, I want dirt bike men because they are cool. I like to play with them. Last, I want a red elf on the shelf because I will always find him and I think they are fun to find. Sincerely, Gauge Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary With decorated trees of pine,

Dear Santa, poinsettias and boughs of holly, For Christmas I would like May the coming season deliver an a baby doll and a trampoline. I the scene is sending out a sign, want a baby doll to play with. abundance of peace, joy and happiness to I also want a slide. I have been MERRYyour doorstep. CHRISTMAS We really appreciate you that now’s the time to be jolly! good! Fromfor doing Our business Home with us. Your friend, Addison Thompson, Price, Scott, Tara Garris’s 2nd Grade To Yours Cerro Gordo Elementary OAKWOOD Adams & Co., CPA PA Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like HOMES 1626 S. Madison St., Whiteville an Xbox1X, Nintendo Switch, Hwy. 410 S., Chadbourn • 654-4128 and Legos. I want and Xbox1X 642-2109 because I like to play Mine- The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 12 I love Santa’s nine reindeer Old Dock Elementary I love Christmas lights Jesse Bunch, 8 Santa eats cookies Jessica Overby’s 3rd Grade Santa comes for Christmas Old Dock Elementary too Santa is awesome Christmas rocks so much Kynlee Evans, 9 I love when Santa flies up Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade I love the presents Old Dock Elementary Pedro Zimora, 8 Jessica Overby’s 3rd Grade I love when he comes Old Dock Elementary I like when he gives presents Saint Nick likes cookies Christmas is the best Morgan Boyd, 9 Happy Birthday to Jesus Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Merry Christmas all Old Dock Elementary Amber Nayle Jessica Cruz, 9 12th Grade Jessica Overby’s Third Grade Christmas trees have lights South Columbus High School Old Dock Elementary Christmas trees have ornaments Christmas is the best Christmas trees are cool It is Jesus’ birthday Hunter Ward, 9 Jesus is the best Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Monquavius McDuffie, 9 Old Dock Elementary Jessica Overby’s 3rd Grade AlexanderBalisteri-McDowell Allysha Smith Old Dock Elementary He loves my cookies 8th Grade 7th Grade Santa gives lots of presents South Columbus High School Chadbourn Middle Snow is very cold Santa loves children Snow is cold at winter time Kaylee Reaves, 9 I like to eat snow Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Dakoda Muse, 8 Old Dock Elementary Jessica Overby’s 3rd Grade Old Dock Elementary I love Santa Claus He likes my cookies and Christmas trees are cool milk I like tall, green Christmas He flies on his sled Christian Spivey trees Lakyn Grice, 9 10th Grade Christmas trees smell good Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade South Columbus High School Lauren Cartrette, 8 Old Dock Elementary Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Old Dock Elementary Elves are important What I love The elves watch over the Elves are on your shelves kids Alyssa Strickland AngelicaCaraballo I so love Santa Elves are quiet as a mouse Elves work for Santa 8th Grade 11th Grade I love my Christmas pres- They are in your house Greidys Avelino, 8 Cerro Gordo Elementary South Columbus High School ents Cole Chestnutt, 9 Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade I so love Christmas Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Old Dock Elementary messed up when you are on the you have a lot of presents. Olivia Smith, 8 Old Dock Elementary The When you come to my house way to town. Merry Christmas! Jessica Overby’s 2nd Grade I like the presents our Christmas tree is in the Love, Old Dock Elementary The tree is colored The presents are so awe- unforgettable dining room. We have some Jayden McCray Ornaments all on the tree some gifts under the tree. Can you Jayden McCray, 8 All people love God Lights are sparkly They are so so cool night please bring me a hover board Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade Christmas is Jesus’ day Blake Stocks, 8 Ciara Hewett, 9 for Christmas? Chadbourn Elementary People love Jesus Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade The Unforgettable Night Love, Jonathan Kellihan, 8 Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary The strangest thing hap- Unique Ruffin Dear Santa, Jessica Overby’s 2nd Grade pened last Christmas Eve. I had Unique Ruffin, 8 I hope you and Mrs. Clause Old Dock Elementary Santa is so nice I love Santa Claus gone to bed at around 11 p.m., Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade have a good Merry Christ- He loves to build kid toys Santa likes my big cookies but I had trouble going to sleep. Chadbourn Elementary mas. I hope Rudolph and the Christmas is the best Santa likes cookies I hope he comes by Just as I was about to drift off, I other reindeer and the elves Jesus’ birthday is here Leo Cardenas, 9 Brianna Price, 9 heard this weird noise coming have a Merry Christmas too. Dear Santa, Christmas is coming Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade from the window, so I went to I hope all of you have a Merry Hey Santa. Merry Christ- Kenzie Wiram, 8 Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary the window. Nothing was there. mas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. I hope it snows Jessica Overby’s 3rd Grade So I went to the kitchen and I Christmas to you and Mrs. this Christmas, Santa. I hope Old Dock Elementary Christmas trees are green Santa is awesome couldn’t believe my eyes. I saw Clause. I would like a Lego you bring a lot of presents for Christmas trees are beauti- He has a big, big belly Santa Claus and he was putting Little Robot, a hover board, us. I want a phone and a hover Christmas is my dream ful He is very nice presents under the Christmas spy tank and a Mac the Robot board. Thank you for the pres- I play when it is Christmas Christmas trees have lights Shreya Sethi, 9 tree. My sister woke up and she ents you are going to bring. for Christmas. I will have I love Christmas too Alan Pantaleon, 9 Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade went to my room and she saw Love, cookies and milk waiting for Oscar Zimora, 7 Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Old Dock Elementary that I wasn’t there. She came Isaiah Bellamy you. Thank you for bring me Jessica Overby’s 2nd Grade Old Dock Elementary to the kitchen and she saw me presents. Isaiah Bellamy, 8 Old Dock Elementary Reindeer are happy and Santa. Santa left my house Love Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade I love Christmas trees Reindeer are so beautiful and he said, “Merry Christmas Christopher Bryson Fields Chadbourn Elementary I love Christmastime I like to decorate trees Reindeer eat carrots to all and to all a good night. Christopher Bryson Fields, 8 I love my presents so much The lights are pretty Yaritza Hernandez, 9 Hannah Strickland, 7 Dear Santa, Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade Santa rocks so much Grace Overby, 8 Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade I hope you are doing good. Chadbourn Elementary Brycen Batten, 9 Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Old Dock Elementary Chadbourn Elementary I would like a soft penguin, Jessica Overby’s 2nd Grade Old Dock Elementary Dear Santa, stuffed dog and a stuffed hippo Old Dock Elementary My elf is so good An Unforgettable Night I hope you, Mrs. Clause and for Christmas. I would also like Reindeer can fly high He always brings me some- The strangest thing hap- the elves are going ok. I love a Shopkin Dollhouse. I will Christmas is so fun Reindeer lead Santa’s sleigh thing pened last Christmas Eve. I had Christmas. I love the reindeer leave you some cookies. I love when I give him milk too Wrestling tickets! gone to bed at around 11 p.m., and Rudolph. I would like to Love, I so love Santa Reindeer have magic Case Simmons, 8 but I had trouble going to sleep. Chelsea see you, Mrs. Clause and the Greydys Cruz, 8 Conner Edwards, 8 Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Just as I was about to drift elves. I would like a toy car Chelsea Funderburk, 8 Jessica Overby’s 2nd Grade Jessica Edge’s 3rd Grade Old Dock Elementary off. I heard this weird noise and a new book bag and a dirt Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade Old Dock Elementary coming from the chimney. It bike for Christmas. Can you Chadbourn Elementary sounded like Santa Claus. My bring my mom and dress too. I love Christmastime big brother said it was my Be careful Santa. Dear Santa, Christmas is so fun to me dad but my little brother and Love, I hope you Mrs. Clause and Christmas goes by fast I told him it was Santa. When Wynter Rudolph are doing good. I hope Kamelia Estrada, 8 We owe our success to each one of you. I creeped in the living room I Wynter Russ, 7 you have a Merry Christmas. Jessica Overby’s 2nd Grade saw Santa Claus eating one of Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade Santa can you please bring Old Dock Elementary Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! the Christmas cookies I made. Chadbourn Elementary me a present for Christmas. I I was amazed and I ran back want you to bring me a hover I love Christmastime to my room and went back to Dear Santa, board. I also want a phone and I love Christmas presents McQueen’s Nursery sleep. The next morning I got How are you doing? How drone. I want a dirtbike and a too up and opened all my presents. are your reindeer and your fourwheeler. I want some pup- Christmas is so fun & Landscaping, Inc. It was the best! elves? I hope everything is go- pies too. Merry Christmas!! Yadira Rodriguez, 10 Joshua Williams, 7 ing great. Santa can you bring Love, Jessica Overby’s 3rd Grade 1480 Prison Camp Road · Whiteville · 642-1898 Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade me a dirt bike. Can you please Ayden Scott Old Dock Elementary Chadbourn Elementary get my mom and dad a ring? Ayden Scott, 8 Santa I love you and I hope Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade I love Christmas time Dear Santa your sleigh doesn’t not get Chadbourn Elementary Dear Santa, I hope you and Mrs. Clause are doing well. I want some gloves and a hover board that lights up blue. I also want an Evey Doll and a blue hat. I want a wallet from Victo- ria Secret too. I love Christmas. Love, Addison Spivey Addison Spivey, 7 Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade Holiday bells are ringing Chadbourn Elementary once again and we’d Dear Santa, like to chime in with I hope you have a Merry our thanks to you, our Christmas. I hope you are getting ready for Christmas Eve neighbors and friends. night. I hope everyone has a SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER magical time of the year this Seeing you is always holiday. I think you are a nice, jolly guy. All I want for Christ- a joy for us, and we TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE mas is clothes and a JoJo doll. wish you all a happy I hope you have a safe trip de- TOWN OF SANDYFIELD! livering presents and get back and memorable to the North Pole. May songs of joy fill your home with warmth and Merry Christmas, holiday season. Wayonna Williamson your heart with happiness this holiday season. Wayonna Williamson, 8 Merry Christmas and have a prosperous and peaceful Angela Duncan’s 2nd Grade Chadbourn Elementary AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIC New Year. Dear Santa, South of Super Walmart, Whiteville I hope Rudolph is doing well Mayor Garry Keaton and Sandyfield Town Council with his flying. Santa I know Days 640-2577 • Nights 642-0653 The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 13

The second reason I am on Dear Santa the nice list because I am very helpful and joyful. I am very Dear Santa, helpful and joyful because I I have been good this year! know how to help my family I am sure my name is on the and clean up. nice list. I am going to give you The third reason is I have three reasons I know I am on been a good girl. I do what I am the nice list. supposed to do. I can clean the The first reason I have been bathroom and I can wash dishes. good and have helped my mom These are the reasons I have with my sister. My mom need- been good this year and I am ed some help with my sister sure that my name is on the because my sister is littler nice list. than me. Loryn Chestnut, 7 The second reason I have Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade been good in the stores. In the Tabor City Elementary School stores, I would not run in there. The third reason is I help Dear Santa, my mom clean the car out. I I have been good this year! listen to my mom when she I am sure my name is on the tells me something. nice list. I am going to give you Gabriella Harrison Gabrielle Bowen Dusty Jacobs These are the reasons I have three reasons I know I am on 7th Grade 5th Grade 8th Grade been good this year and I am the nice list. Evergreen Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Tabor City Middle sure that my name is on the The first reason I have been nice list. good is I pay attention to my Jaydon Parker, 8 teacher in class. I get greens Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade for my behavior. I do well on Tabor City Elementary School my work. I am good and I do not be bad because I help clean up. Dear Santa, The second reason is I am I have been good this year! good at home. I am good and I I am sure my name is on the am a great kid so far. I am very, nice list. I am going to give you very sure I am on the nice list. three reasons I know I am on I an mice all the time because the nice list. Aiden McFadden, 6 Angelino Curry, 6 Cincre Stephenson Deontay Bellamy, 7 I am kind and a good friend. The first reason I think I am Tammy Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammy Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammy Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammy Patrick’s 1st Grade The third reason is I am on the nice list is helping my Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary kind, nice, and good because of mom clean up the house. I help all the good things I do. my mom pick up things in her Dear Santa, The first reason I should be Dear Santa, all of my food for dinner from These are the reasons I have bedroom. I have been good this year! on the nice list is that I help I have been good this year! home. The food is so good so I been good this year and I am The second reason I think I I am sure my name is on the people when they need help. I am sure my name is on the eat all of it. sure that my name is on the am on the nice list is helping nice list. I am going to give you I help people when they are nice list. I am going to give you These are the reasons I have nice list. with my baby sister. I help my three reasons I know I am on hurt. three reasons I know I am on been good this year and I am Trinity Beans, 8 mom take care of my baby the nice list. The second reason I should the nice list. sure that my name is on the Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade sister. The first reason is I help be on the nice list is that I am The first reason I should be nice list. Tabor City Elementary School The third reason is I think the teacher do something if lovable and capable. I love on the nice list is that I am nice, Payton Gibson, 7 I am on the nice list is doing she needs me to. If my teacher people, too. trusting, and I clean my mom’s Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade Dear Santa, what the teacher tells me to do. needs me to do pass out papers, The third reason I should be house. I can be trusted because Tabor City Elementary School I have been good this year! I do whatever the teacher asks I help her. on the nice list is that I am very people say I can be trusted. I am sure my name is on the me to do. The second reason is I am on good at school. I am very good The second reason is I help Dear Santa, nice list. I am going to give you These are the reasons I have the nice list is because I got all with my math. my mom around the house. I I have been good this year! three reasons I know I am on been good this year and I am G’s (for good) on my behavior These are the reasons I have help by sweeping the floor and I am sure my name is on the the nice list. sure that my name is on the this year. I help people if they been good this year and I am keep my room clean. nice list. I am going to give you The first reason is that I nice list. need me to do something. sure that my name is on the The third reason is I re- three reasons I know I am on have been polite to my other Marcus Smith, 7 The third reason is is I have nice list. ceived the Best Behavior the nice list. peers. I have held the door for Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade been good in school all year! I Montavia Smith, 7 Award at school for my class. The first reason is I help my others and saying thank you Tabor City Elementary School pay attention to the teacher in Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade I did that by listening to my dad fix stuff. I help by putting and you are welcome. class, do my homework, and do Tabor City Elementary School teacher and doing my work. air in the tires. The second reason is that I Dear Santa, what she tells me to do. These are the reasons I have The second reason I help have worked hard in school to I have been good this year! These are the reasons I have Dear Santa, been good this year and I am my mom wash clothes. I put bring up my grades by studying I am sure my name is on the been good this year and I am I have been good this year! sure that my name is on the the clothes in the dryer for her. and reading at night at home. nice list. I am going to give you sure that my name is on the I am sure my name is on the nice list. The third reason is I help The third reason is that I three reasons I know I am on nice list. nice list. I am going to give you Candy Guzman, 8 my dad clean the house. I help am really trying to work on the nice list. Margianna Scott, 8 three reasons I know I am on Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade by picking stuff up. my behavior. I am listening to The reason I should be on Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade the nice list. Tabor City Elementary School These are the reasons I have my mom, grandma, and my the nice list is I help my mom Tabor City Elementary School The first reason I have been been good this year and I am teacher. I follow the rules and wash dishes and clean up the good at school. I do my work Dear Santa, sure that my name is on the directions given to me. house every day. Dear Santa, at school and pay attention to I have been good this year! nice list. These are the reasons I have I have been good to my mom I have been good this year! my teacher. I am sure my name is on the Jeremiah Long, 7 been good this year and I am and I have been the best I could I am sure my name is on the The second reason is I do nice list. I am going to give you Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade sure that my name is on the this year. I have been the best to nice list. I am going to give you my chores at home. I help my three reasons I know I am on Tabor City Elementary School nice list. my mom. I have been washing three reasons I know I am on mom wash the dishes and do the nice list. Javonte Myers, 8 dishes for my mom. the nice list. the laundry. The first reason I am on the Dear Santa, Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade The last reason I have been The first reason I help peo- The third reason is I do all nice list is that I do all of my I have been good this year! Tabor City Elementary School good to my brothers and sister. ple at home and at school. I like my work at school. I finish my work in school. I did my math I am sure my name is on the I help them clean up the house to help Montavia, Candy, and math at school. homework and my reading. nice list. I am going to give you too. I help my brothers and sis- Kaydence. I help them with These are the reasons I have The second reason I help my three reasons I know I am on ter clean up most of the house words. I help James, too. He is been good this year and I am mom feeding the bay and clean- the nice list. and do the dishes. my brother. sure that my name is on the ing the house. The baby boy The first reason is I am sure These are the reasons I have The second reason is I help nice list. was hungry so I helped him that I have been good this year. Tillon Norris, 7 been good this year and I am people with chores at home. I and my stepdad fix the food. I have been helping my mother Zamarion Mason, 6 Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade sure that my name is on the help James, Blake, mom, and The third reason is I never I can help my mother by folding Tammy Patrick’s 1st Grade Tabor City Elementary School nice list. dad with their chores at home. get in trouble at home. I eat clothes and feeding the dogs. Whiteville Primary Bryson Watts, 8 The third reason is I listen Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade to people at school and home. Tabor City Elementary School I listen to my mom, dad, and my teacher. Dear Santa, These are the reasons I have May Faith Guide You! I have been good this year! been good this year and I am ...and may His love and light find you and your I am sure my name is on the sure that my name is on the loved ones wherever you go this Christmas. nice list. I am going to give you nice list. With best wishes for a deeply satisfying holiday three reasons I know I am on Kaydance Lowery, 8 season from all of us. the nice list. Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade When it comes to our neighbors, our doors are always open. “Service with I have been good at home. I Tabor City Elementary School We really appreciate your stopping by this past year. Dependability, Distinction, and helped my mom wash the cups. FUNERAL HOME Dear Santa, Dignity” I clean the kitchen. OF WHITEVILLE The second reason is I take I have been good this year! 701 Drive In care of my little sisters and my I am sure my name is on the 303 Powell Blvd. • 642-9148 little brother. When my mom is nice list. I am going to give you Owner: Rodney & Carol Edwards going somewhere, I watch my three reasons I know I am on little sisters and little brother. the nice list. The third reason is I have been good at school. I helped wash the tables in the cafete- ria. The Reason for the Season These are the reasons I have been good this year and I am sure that my name is on the is Jesus Christ Our Lord nice list. Zakilya Dawson, 8 Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade Tabor City Elementary School

Dear Santa, I have been good this year! I am sure my name is on the nice list. I am going to give you And Best Wishes for a Prosperous New Year! three reasons I know I am on the nice list. The first reason I help with chores. I help mom and dad with the laundry and the dishes. The second reason is I listen to my teacher. I listen to my mom and dad. I listen to my whole family. The third reason is I help grandma with her dogs. I help MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! mom with the dogs, too. These are the reasons I have Thanks to all our customers for a great year. been good this year and I am RONALD’S sure that my name is on the nice list. Body & Detail Shop Kaydence Anderson, 8 The Donut Shop Chris McPherson’s 2nd Grade 102 Magnolia Street, Whiteville Tabor City Elementary School 1602 S. Madison Street • 640-3317 Pager 640-4405 • Shop 642-8478 The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 14

wore Christmas outfi ts. That Family was very fun. We baked a cake. The cake was vanilla cake. When my family comes over, We put chocolate frosting and we decorate the tree. Then the smiley faces on it. That was adults wrap the presents. The the best Christmas present! adults put the presents under Merry Christmas Everyone! the tree. In the morning, we And we celebrated Jesus’ birth run down the stairs and we on Christmas! Woop! Woop! unwraps the presents. It is fun Ciara Coard to unwrap the presents! I love 2nd grade Whiteville Primary Christmas Daveun Holland School Writers’ Group Harmony Robinson 6th Grade 2nd grade Whiteville Primary Chadbourn Middle I like to spend time with School Writers’ Group my family and I like to open presents with my family. I like On Christmas morning, I Christmas because it feels hap- invite my whole family over py. I like Christmas because it to my grandma’s house. Also, was fun. It was fun because my grandma and my grandma I get to spend time with my and pa come over. The cook family and I helped my mom Harleigh Ward the breakfast -- eggs, sausage, Jami Duncan by fi xing the Christmas tree. I 10th Grade hashbrowns, bacon and grits. 7th Grade like Christmas because we get South Columbus High School Finally, the best part about my Chadbourn Middle to hear music. The music was Christmas is spending time Jingle Bells. It looks like so with my family. I love spend- much fun to do. I love Christ- ing time with my family at mas because Father Christmas Christmas. Jessica Griffi n gives us gift. The best is that I Serenity Pratt 11th Grade got a bike. I like Christmas be- 2nd grade Whiteville Primary West Columbus High School cause it is my favorite holiday. School Writers’ Group Noe Mandujano 2nd grade Whiteville Primary Every Christmas, me and School Writers’ Group my family go downstairs. We open our presents. Before we I had a really good Christ- open, we have to wait until all mas last year. I got a dirt bike our family is here. I got clothes for Christmas. It was red, or- from my aunt’s house and I got ange, and yellow with fl ames. a hoverboard from my house I felt fast when I ride it. I and I got a tablet and a bike. smelled the smoke of it. And My mom brought me some it felt like rubber because of switches and I dropped them the seat. It came with a helmet. and she beat me. Then I went to Also, it felt like the wind in my ride my bike. My daddy came face. My dirt bike was outside. with my dirt bike doing burn- I knew it was out there because outs. He told me to be careful Kendall Bullock I looked out the window be- Katie Clewis and don’t hurt yourself. I got 7th Grade cause I got a present that said, on it and I rode it to the camp- 12th Grade Kurtlyn Wilson Chadbourn Middle “Look out the windowl” It was ground. I love Christmas! South Columbus High School 8th Grade a good Christmas!! TyLae Rose Chadbourn Middle Cameron Price 2nd grade Whiteville Primary 2nd gradeWhiteville Primary School Writers’ Group School Writers’ Group

Every year on Christmas Baking Gingerbread men Eve, my family would get to- with my mom gether and we go to my great For dessert after dinner, grandma’s house. We would me and my mom were baking eat and play games. One time, gingerbread men. The first me and Luke went outside to step was mixing the batter. play and we actually saw Santa The next step was molding the in his sleigh. When we left we cookies into gingerbread men. went to our grandma’s house The third step was putting and we opened presents. When them in the oven. My mom we left it was too late at night put them in there. The fourth and it was almost midnight and step is decorating the cookies. Santa only had a few more kids They smelled like cinnamon. to go to. I will remember that They were so soft and squishy!. Christmas because I got to get We used Christmas colored with my family and friends. Kya McCumbee LaQuinton Floyd frosting. We put smiley facies Nate Merritt Magan Todd 6th Grade 6th Grade on them. Some had polka dot 2nd grade Whiteville Primary South Columbus High School Tabor City Middle Tabor City Middle dresses. Some had bowties and School Writers’ Group collars. I will always help my ornaments on it. I sleep on the bottom bunk. Luke Simmons Christmas tree outside. Then mom bake. we put the light-up snowman. I My mom helped me put the Last Christmas, our family It is really fun too, because I 2nd grade Whiteville Primary Karimin Castrejon felt very excited. Then I want- Christmas balls on the tree. from Maryland came over. We always sleep on the couch, but School Writers’ Group 2nd grade Whiteville Primary ed to put up the blow-up Santa The ornaments felt like plastic. went to the beach and we got every Christmas I sleep with School Writers’ Group They were round like a sphere on rides. We got home and my my brother. When we sleep, we On Christmas Eve, everything. It was fun to put up all with a hook on the top of the mom cooked chicken. The next talk for a minute, then we go to body helps cook the Christmas those things! I like Christmas! For Christmas I got a drone ball. We hung a bunch of balls day my dad drove to Wal-Mart. sleep. When we wake up, we cookies for Santa. After that, Herminio Ayohua and a big blue girl motor car. on the tree. I felt happy and Then we got home. Their dog see what our presents are and everybody opens one present. 2nd grade Whiteville Primary I had so much fun with it. I nice while I was putting them had untied himself, then he we don’t open them because In the morning me and my sis- School Writers’ Group played with the drone in the on the tree. went to the road and he died. we wake up really early. So ters wake up and wake up my house, but my grandma said, Christmas makes me feel They had him for many years. we talk some more until it is parents. After that, we check My favorite Christmas “You are going to have to go happy because we get pres- It was a sad Christmas. seven o’clock. I have saw Santa if Santa had left a note or ate memory is the night my fam- outside with the drone. The ents from Santa and because Kevin Aparicio before in his sleigh! That was some cookies. That is how my ily puts our Christmas tree up. next day I played with my the Christ-child was born in 2nd grade Whiteville Primary very cool! Christmas is special. Last year, I helped my mother car outside. I had a lot of fun Bethlehem. Christmas is my School Writers’ Group Logen Little Zhamaria Shipman put up the Christmas tree. We with it too, like I did with the favorite holiday. 2nd grade Whiteville Primary 2nd grade Whiteville Primary put Christmas ornaments on drone. I only had a little time Chasyn Cribb For Christmas, me and my School Writers’ Group School Writers’ Group the tree. I ate dinner at my to play on it all day, because I 2nd grade Whiteville Primary sister, my brother and my mom’s house. We had salis- had to go inside. I was so much School Writers’ Group grandma wake up. We wait I celebrate Christmas with I like to decorate. Last time, bury steak, mashed potatoes happy of Santa, the elves, and for our mom and dad to wake my grama and pa. We eat togeth- I got up the Christmas tree out- and macaroni and cheese. The Mrs. Santa was the best. I felt For Christmas, I gathered up. Then we have Christmas er. We give presents to grama side with ornaments and with girl that stayed with us, Pam, so good too. The drone was with my family. Me and my morning breakfast when our and pa. They give presents to lights. We put the Christmas did the cooking. I helped my wrapped and under the tree. family ate chicken, ham, beans, mom and dad wake up. After us -- like cups, clothes, hats, tree inside, then we put it out- mom. The car was over beside the and cake. My mom put up our that, we go to the Christmas jackets, bracelets, suits, and side. We got a blow-up Santa After we had the tree up and tree. It was so cold on that Christmas tree. We decorated tree. We open our presents. swimming goggles. We always thing. Next, we got a light-up had eaten dinner we sat and Christmas. We drunk some hot our Christmas tree by putting My special gift was when I got play together. Me and pa always snowman in the outside wall. enjoyed the tree. My mom had cocoa with marshmallows. We Christmas lights and orna- a gold and sparkly dress with a fi sh together. On Christmas dad, When my mom told us we were some of her music playing. I all had fun together. liked to hear her music. It felt ments on and presents under sewed-on belt. The rest of my they’re always giving me and going to put up the Christmas Alaia Powell good when I helped my mom the tree. We went to my grand- sparkly dress was white. At Parker cool gifts. On Christmas tree, I felt happy and excited. 2nd grade Whiteville Primary put up the tree and put the pa’s house. We had a party. We the end of the Christmas day, day, they sleep upstairs. Then the next day, we put the School Writers’ Group we have a Christmas dinner. We go to my second grandma’s house for the end of this great Christmas! Thanks for your patronage Abigail Greene 2nd grade Whiteville Primary We look forward to serve you in 2018 School Writers’ Group

My family always goes to the same place every Christ- mas. My favorite is when I go to my Aunt Lisa’s house because she has a karaoke machine I like to sing with. We go to her last because she has to get everything ready. While she does that, we go to someone else’s house. When she’s ready, she will call my mom. Then Thinking of you when we fi nish eating and getting our stuff, we go, so we can get presents. We get our stuff. at Christmastime. We go to my Aunt Lisa’s house and get the rest of our stuff. Wishing you peace, joy and good fortune always! Then we go back home to open our stuff. May your heart and home be filled with Emani Brown 2nd grade Whiteville Primary all the happiness this special season brings. School Writers’ Group We thank you for your patronage, friendship and support. Every Christmas I go and Stevens & Hasty Co. get a tree and bring it home. I 128 Pecan St., Whiteville • 642-3739 always decorate the tree with my brother and sister. We put Town of Lake Waccamaw a lot of different kinds of orna- Nance Cleaning Service ments. When it is Christmas, I Commercial Cleaning Services 205 Flemington Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC always sleep with my brother. 640-7665 www.lakewaccamaw.com He sleeps on the top bunk and The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 15 Paula and the Christmas squirrel By JEFFERSON WEAVER the roof of the porch. It was of the year they can hear us.” Rhonda lived down a long road mas lights.” for the first time. Staff Writer a rundown house, very poor “I know what you mean,” on the edge of the swamp, and “You’ve come to the right Their human, Blake, came looking, and it made Paula Paula said. “Merry Christ- Charlie flew right over the swamp,” Melanie said, hee- out the back door of the Once upon a time there sad. mas, Scruffy. I hope things get gate. There were lights in the hawing. Charlie shrugged the house, calling. was a possum named Paula. “Hey, Dog. Be cool. I’m Pau- better.” Scruffy half-smiled. trees around the front yard, bag off his back. “Big Boy, we got to get to Because Paula could fly, her la. That’s Charlie. Why are “Well, we know what the and on the horse fence. Even “This is something called work!” he shouted. “Little friends called her Superpos- you outside in the cold? And season is really about, so the chicken pen had a wreath. Reindeer Dust,” he said. “Pau- Girl, you guard the house.” sum. Her mom even sewed with no Christmas lights?” that’s okay. I just worry about The humans were decorating la said you would know what “Work?” Big Boy said. “It’s her a cape, since superheroes The dog gave her a funny my girls.” Paula and Charlie the Christmas tree in front to do with it.” Christmas Eve!” need capes when they are look. lifted off, and flew around the of the windows, and Charlie “Flying on Christmas “Well, it’s kind of work,” flying around fighting evil. “I’m Scruffy. My humans house. Charlie frowned. thought for a moment about Eve!” Melanie brayed happily. Blake said. “We’re going to She was good friends with just let me out for the nightly “I looked through the door how it was always warm in “I hope we get to see Santa!” Judge Doug and Miss Vickie’s Santa Claus, and had many business. How come you’re when she let Scruffy in,” he the house. to pick up some boxes of adventures helping him on Paula rested for a moment food. Paula the Superpossum Christmas Eve. on the city limits sign and called—she needs our help. Paula loved flying around sent Mr. Dwight a message There’s a family that ain’t on Christmas Eve, looking with the address. going to have Christmas with- at the lights and visiting her “I don’t want to be texting out us.” animal friends. One frosty and flying,” she said to her- Big Boy leaped into the Christmas Eve, Paula looked self. “It’s not safe.” truck and wiggled under his over to one side and saw Paula streaked across the seat belt. another animal flying be- night sky, heading for Judge “What are we waiting for?” side her. It wasn’t either of Doug and Miss Vickie’s house. her bird-friends, Barney the He hated bothering them on Charlie dropped down low Barred Owl or Dearheart the Christmas Eve again, but he and slow as he went past Quivering Owl. knew they wouldn’t mind, the lake. He didn’t want any “Well, I wonder who this especially since there was a of the owls to think he was is?” Paula said to herself, little kid in need. supper. He had left the bag and zoomed toward the other “Uh-oh,” Paula said, hover- of Reindeer Dust with the animal. The animal was very ing over the yard. There were Wildman. As he left, Charlie small. a lot of cars and trucks in the saw his humans and all the “Merry Christmas!” the yard. Miss Vickie and Judge animals pulling lights off the animal squeaked in a very Doug were having a Christ- trees and fence and putting high-pitched voice. “You’re mas party! Paula didn’t want them in saddlebags on Mellie Paula! I’m Charlie the flying to interrupt them, because and Mabel. squirrel!” that would be rude. She pulled “I need to check my list “Merry Christmas to out her phone, and sent Judge again,” he said, and looked you, Charlie!” Paula replied. Doug a text, asking if he away for a moment as he “What are you up to this would meet her outside. pulled it out. pretty night?” A moment later, a flash- Suddenly he flew into a “I’ve been reha-rehab-reh- light was playing across the sign! a-billy-tated,” the squirrel s k y. Charlie’s head spun as he said. “Rehabilitated. The “Paula? Paula? Where are hit the sign and bounced off. humans who took care of me you?” Judge Doug called. She He screeched as he rolled turned me loose. I went to live slowly drifted to the ground, across the sidewalk to the with them when I was a baby. and held out her paw. grass. He smelled straw and They were nice people, too. I “Merry Christmas, Judge! saw bright lights, then he hated to leave, but a squirrel’s I’m sorry to bother you on passed out. got to do what a squirrel’s got Christmas Eve.” to do.” “If you need me, all you Hayden and her family “Who were your humans, have to do is call,” Judge loved the Christmas tree at if you don’t mind me asking?” Doug said. the lake, and every night, “Oh, Miss Rhonda and the “My buddy Charlie and I Hayden wanted to go by and Wildman. You know them?” met a dog and his family this see the nativity scene and the Paula laughed. evening. They’re about an tree. She had a candy cane “KNOW them? They’re hour by the road down that dress that was her favorite. friends of mine! How is Wal- way. Near as I can tell, the They had stopped to admire ter the Wonder Dog, and Su- flying? Possums don’t fly!” said. “The little girl – she was “But I’m a flying squir- lady is a nice young woman. the tree when something hit sie and Wesley, and all the “It’s a long story,” Pau- wearing a T-shirt. I’m wear- rel,” he told himself, “and a She’s taking care of her cous- the street sign behind them equines?” la said. “Are your humans ing a fur coat, and I’m cold.” squirrel’s got to do what a in, who’s five. They haven’t and began screaming. “The what?” okay?” The dog sighed and sat Paula nodded. squirrel’s got to do.” got anything – she even sold “Look, Grandma!” the lit- The donkeys and horses.” down. When he wasn’t bark- “I glanced in there, too “Hey, look!” Henri the one- some of the furniture to pay tle girl shouted. “It’s a little “Oh. They’re doing pretty ing, he seemed like a nice dog. – Mary has a bunch of aca- eyed cat said. “It’s Charlie!” the rent, and sold her car for animal, and he’s hurt!” well.” The squirrel banked “Well, my story is long, too. demic awards on the wall. “Come back for Christmas her tuition money.” “Be careful,” Miss Ruth a little, catching a gust of The mom and dad humans, She’s really smart. Even if dinner, Charlie?” Johnny “Tell me what we can do to said. wind under his tummy so he well, they got in trouble and she wasn’t smart, she seems Spots the cat asked, winking help,” Judge Doug said. could glide closer to Paula. went away somewhere with nice. A lot of girls her age and licking his lips. “Well, they don’t have Charlie’s eyes flickered “Busy and all, what with the the police. They weren’t re- would be having fun. Here she “Who goes there?!?!” much food,” Paula said, “and open, and he shook his head. holidays. Listen,” Charlie ally nice to me or the girls, is, raising a little kid best as brayed Mabel the donkey, I wanted to see if you had He woke up in a doll bed, in a said. “Do you know where I anyway.” she can.” jumping out of the bushes. any more MREs.” Judge Doug nice warm house. There was can find a colony of flying “You’re here by yourself ?” “I wish I had a lot of “It’s me, Charlie!” the fly- laughed. a bandage on his head. squirrels? I haven’t been able Charlie exclaimed. Scruffy friends, and maybe we could ing squirrel peeped. “Every time I turn around, “Wow, that hurt,” he said. to find any up here.” shook his head. do something,” Charlie said. “Calm down, Mabel,” the I’m finding more,” he said. “I “You can talk!” Hayden Paula scratched her chin, “Oh no – I have my girl, “I do have a lot of friends,” other donkey, Big Melanie, think we can do better than said, eyes growing wide. thinking. Cindy, and her cousin, Mary. Paula said, “and we’re go- said. “Merry Christmas, tiny that, but come on.” “Well, sometimes,” Charlie “I’m not sure. We don’t Mary is almost grownup – ing to help. How fast can squirrel. You’ve come home.” Inside the barn, Judge said. “Thank you for helping have many of your kind she’s 22, and works when she you fly? Think you can keep “Just for a visit,” he said. Doug lifted a couple boxes of me. I need to be on my way, around here. I wish we did isn’t going to college. She up?” Charlie shouted, but it “I have an emergency. Paula the emergency meals. There though. There’s a family that – you’re different, but kinda wants to be a nurse and help sounded more like a screech. the Superpossum asked for were stacks and stacks of needs help – they won’t have cool.” people. Mary’s taking care “I can do better than keep our help.” them, many with notes say- any Christmas without some “Thanks,” Charlie said. of me and Cindy. It’s pretty up! Let’s rock!” “Paula!” barked Walter the ing they were heading for help.” “You know we really don’t tough sometimes. Wonder dog. “Is she here? I homeless shelters, churches “Well that is certainly fly – well, you do, but flying “We’re doing okay, but we One of Santa’s helpers, don’t smell her.” and fire departments. Several, a nice thing to do,” said squirrels don’t. I actually never seem to have enough Dwight Burleson, was settling “Does she have someone however, didn’t have a desti- Hayden’s grandmother, Miss glide.” money. Mary had to sell some down for Christmas Eve to eat who needs protecting?” Susie nation marked on the side. Ruth. Can we do something?” “I wasn’t going to be rude,” of the furniture a while back pizza with his family when he the Dobermuffin asked. “I am “How are you going to “Well,” Charlie said, Paula said, smiling. to keep us fed. Wasn’t any realized he’d left his coffee an excellent protector.” carry these, Paula?” he asked. “there’s a little girl, and she “It is what it is,” Charlie way we could have a Christ- cup at the Santa house. He “Did she find some more “They’re a little big for your didn’t get to talk to one of said. “I’m happy. I would like mas tree this year, much less hung up his Santa coat, but dogfighters?” Wesley the Jagd pouch.” Santa’s helpers this year. I’m to find some friends like me, any presents or anything.” still wore the warm cap as terrier asked politely. “I really Paula pulled out her phone not sure if he knows where though.” Scruffy wiped his paw across he strolled back to the Santa dislike dog fighters.” and punched a button. she is. Paula the Superpos- “I’m sorry I don’t know any his eyes. “I worry about my house, enjoying the Christ- All the animals began ask- “I have that handled,” she sum is trying to find Santa flying squirrels except you. girls. That’s why I was bark- mas decorations. Mr. Dwight ing questions at the same said. right now, but it’s Christmas We can be friends, though. I’ll ing so loud – I ain’t big, but no- picked up the cup and locked time, until June the horse Eve, and he’s kinda busy.” be happy to take you down to body’s going to mess with my the door as he went out. neighed loudly. Big Boy stretched. Little “Paula the what?” Miss meet my friend Richard. He family as long as I am here.” “Can’t believe we have “Let the little guy talk, for Girl’s puppies were bothering Ruth asked. has a lot of flying squirrels “You’re a great dog,” Char- to lock Santa’s house these crying out loud.” him, and he was tired. Still, “She’s – it’s a long story. in his yard, but they’re city lie said. “I tell you plain, you days, but it’s a mean world “Thank you,” Charlie said. he wanted to see the puppies Anyway, I need to get going. squirrels.” scared me for a minute.” out there,” he said to himself. “There’s a little girl –“ when they saw Santa Claus uuSEE PAULA 16 “Cool. I appreciate that. “How old is Cindy?” Paula “Still, I love seeing the kids “I love little girls!” Mabel So what do you do?” Paula asked. Scruffy tilted his head smile, and it’s great to work brayed. laughed and laughed. to one side, squinted and with Santa every year.” “—and she lives with her “A lot of times, it seems counted with his paw. A shadow passed in front cousin. They are really, re- like all I do is fly around on “I’m six in human years, so of him on the sidewalk, and ally poor. They don’t have any Christmas Eve and look for she’s five.” he hesitated for just a sec- Christmas lights or anything. people and animals to help. “She didn’t talk to one of ond. Then he laughed a big They don’t have any presents, Really all I want to do is look Santa’s helpers this year?” “Ho-Ho-Ho!” before giving a either.” at the Christmas lights, and Scruffy shook his head. regular laugh. “But – it’s Christmas,” visit my friends. It never “Mary sold her car to pay “Sorry, Paula,” he said. “I Miguel the three-legged pos- seems to work out that way, the house rent and school. forget sometimes that I can sum said. “Even possums get though.” She’s been having to catch laugh like a normal person presents at Christmas.” To All Our The possum and the squir- rides. They ride on the church when I’m not on duty.” “How can a little kid not rel zipped along, talking and van sometimes, but they “Merry Christmas, Mr. have any lights to enjoy?” looking at the Christmas couldn’t get to the church Dwight!” Paula said. “I need Melanie said. “That’s a spe- Friends At Christmas lights far below them on the party, much less find one of some help – well, I know some- cial part of Christmas to me.” ground. There was one house Santa’s helpers.” Scruffy body that needs some help. I “Who doesn’t have any At this reflective time of year, we recall with they noticed that was dark. cocked one ear toward the know it’s Christmas Eve and lights?” came a voice from gratitude all the goodwill you’ve “Hey, Paula, I wonder why door. The three animals heard all, but I was wondering – “ the front door. The Wildman shown us, and offer you our best wishes footsteps. “You have to ask?” Mr. stood there in his warm gray they don’t have any lights?” for a truly memorable holiday season. Paula turned so they could fly “Scruffy! Scruffy!” a pleas- Dwight laughed. “If I can, I hat. “Well, Merry Christmas, back around the house. ant voice called. “Cindy wants will.” Charlie! I figured you’d have “Well, there’s a light on to go to bed. Come in out Paula explained the situa- your own family by now.” at the front door, but that’s of the cold. We have to save tion as quickly as she could, “Charlie’s back?” Miss COLE MONUMENT all. Maybe they don’t like the kerosene for tomorrow. and Mr. Dwight nodded. Rhonda said. “We missed you, Christmas?” Scruffy! Come on, boy.” “I’ll text you the address!” but you’re free now.” WORKS “Who doesn’t like Christ- “I’d best head inside,” Paula said, and flew off into “I enjoy it, too,” Charlie 1400 James B. White Hwy. N., Whiteville, NC mas?” Charlie said, shocked. Scurfy said. “My girls need the night. said. “I’m here because I – Phone 642-3503 • Fax (910) 642-5092 “Some people aren’t really me to help stay warm. We well, me and Paula the Super- smart,” Paula said. “Let’s go all sleep together in one bed. Charlie flew faster than possum—we need some help.” [email protected] find out.” They flew down It’s tight, but warm. You two he had ever flown before. He “I am so proud of you, Moments with Dignity & Permanence toward the house, and a dog come back again some time, knew the road like the back teaming up with the Super- began barking. please? I don’t have a lot of of his paw. He was a little possum,” Miss Rhonda ex- Buy Direct and Save ~ Granite, Bronze, Marble “Go away! Go away!” he critters to talk to. It kinda off-balance from the bag he claimed. “How can we help?” Mike Cole, Owner barked. Paula slowed to a freaks humans out. Of course, carried like a knapsack. “First off,” Charlie said, hover, and Charlie landed on there are only a few times out The Wildman and Miss “we need to find some Christ- The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 16

said. “Christmas isn’t about “I’m Richard,” he said. asked herself. “I hope he’s rocketed over to the pumper everything has worked out PAULA presents. It’s about Jesus, “Merry Christmas.” okay. I’ll go ask Judge Doug. and grabbed hold of the mir- right.” Continued from 15 and people. Presents are just “I thought you were San- Wait a minute—what’s Judge ror bracket. Charlie, a ban- Paula’s pouch began buzz- like sprinkles on a cupcake.” ta,” Cindy said. Richard Doug doing here?” Paula fl ew dage around his head, was ing, and with a quick apology, Thank you so much. Hey, Mary hugged her close. laughed and shook his head. toward the line of vehicles sitting on Hayden’s shoulder. she flew up a few feet and where’s Hayden?” Scruffy began barking fu- “No, but I have a bunch slowly pulling into the drive- “I didn’t know you could pulled out her phone. It was The little girl came out of riously out the window. of gifts for you.” He rolled w a y. put a child safety seat in a fi re Santa Claus! the living room, carrying a “Look at that!” he barked. up the trailer door – and the “Judge Doug—and Miss truck,” Paula said. “Merry Christmas, Santa!” box covered in bright wrap- “What in the world is going trailer was full of furniture, Vickie! You left your party. “I didn’t know what a child she said. Santa’s voice was ping paper. on?” a stove, a refrigerator, and a You didn’t have to do that.” safety seat was,” Charlie said. serious. “May I give her one of my Mary and Cindy jumped up bunch of brand-new clothes! Judge Doug laughed. “Heyden, this is my buddy “Merry Christmas, Paula, I gifts?” she asked. from the blanket on the fl oor “Whatever you need, I have.” “We brought the party Paula. That’s her grandmoth- need help. Those darn Christ- Charlie wiped a paw across and ran to the window. “Sir, I don’t have any mon- with us,” Judge Doug said. er Miss Ruth. The fi reman in mas weasels are at it again, his eyes. A long line of cars and ey,” Mary said, blushing. Cars and trucks were parking the Santa hat is Mr. Jimmy.” along with the coyotes! They “Must be my allergies,” he trucks out on the highway Richard made a face. all over the yard, and people “I never thought I’d see a got hold of some Reindeer said. Miss Ruth smiled. was pulling onto the road “Don’t need any. This is all were jumping out carrying possum fl y,” Mr. Jimmy said. Dust from somewhere, and “Mine too.” leading to their little house. spare stuff from my storage grocery bags and plates. Mr. “No offense intended.” they’re chasing us across the Mary could hear Christmas building business. Hey – are Richard and Mr. Blake were “None taken,” Paula said. sky in South Carolina!” Paula flew down the big music playing very loud. you Cindy?” The little girl pushing a brand-new refrig- “Do you know where to go?” “Send me some coordi- highway, stretching one paw “Somebody must be having nodded. erator through the door of “Charlie gave us the ad- nates, and we’ll be there in in front of her so she would a party,” Cindy said. “I hope “I have some new toys in the little house. “When my dress,” Miss Ruth said. two twitches of a donkey’s go faster. Her cape fl ew out they don’t make so much here, as well as some clothes I friends found out what I was “I’ll see you there!” Paula tail!” Paula said. She turned behind her, almost fl at. noise we can’t sleep.” bet will fi t a little girl like you. doing, they all wanted to help. said, and flew up into the in mid-air and whistled. The She crossed the big river, “What in the world is I even have a princess bed that Where’s the little girl and her night. animals and humans had then hovered for a moment THAT?” Cindy exclaimed, I hope you can use. I’m too big cousin?” been singing a Christmas while she checked the direc- pointing. for it.” Cindy squealed and “Up at the house,” Paula Paula flew down to the carol, but they stopped when tions to her friend Richard’s A line of lights was coming giggled. said. “Say, you haven’t seen a house just as Mr. Dwight – they heard Paula’s whistle. house. Then she rocketed over down the road over the cars “You’re a boy, anyway. I fl ying squirrel named Charlie dressed again in his Santa “Santa’s in trouble,” Paula Wilmington as fast as any and trucks. The lights were have wanted a princess bed anywhere have you? He hasn’t uniform – was sitting down said. “It’s those darn coyotes fl ying possum ever fl ew, and fl ying! forever.” shown up yet. I’m worried with Cindy on his lap. Mr. and weasels again. You guys landed in the front yard. “That must be some kind “How about some help about him.” Dwight had brought a stack need another coat of Reindeer “Go away! Go away!” of drone,” Mary said. “I’ve unloading that stuff ?” came “I see a bunch of them of pizzas, and people were ad- Dust?” barked Pirate the dog. “I don’t never seen anything like a voice from another truck. up there at the house,” Miss miring the Christmas lights “I’m good.” “Plenty left in know you, so you don’t belong that!” Mr. Blake and Big Boy jumped Vickie said, nodding toward and eating pizza in the cold me.” “More fl ight time, you at Casa del Milar. Go on, GIT!” “That’s no drone,” Paula out. “I have a Christmas tree the decorating squirrels, “but night. betcha!” “Santa needs me, “Easy, buddy,” Paula said. said, slowing to a hover by we need to get inside first, we didn’t see any on the way The fi re trucks pulled in I’m coming in hot!” “Let’s go “Merry Christmas. Is Mr. the window. Mary and Cindy though.” A big fl uffy Christ- down here.” the driveway, and Miss Ruth already!” Richard around?” shrieked and jumped back mas tree was tied down on top “Hmm,” Paula said. “Wait got down with Little Heyden “They have no idea who “Who’s asking?’ came a from the window. of cases of MRE meals. a minute—oh no, those are and Charlie. The fl ying squir- they’re messin’ with!” Mabel peeping voice from one of the “Paula!” Scruffy barked. “A Christmas tree?” Mary fi re trucks!” rels from the city swarmed said. trees. Paula looked around, “Paula the Superpossum! It’s said. Paula fl ew down the drive- around Charlie, shaking “Maybe I will get to protect and she saw dozens of eyes okay, girls! Paula is a friend Blake nodded. Scruffy and way and up the road toward hands and asking about his someone tonight after all,” glinting in the porch light. of mine.” Big Boy sniffed noses and the flashing red lights. She bandage. Susie growled. “I like protect- Flying squirrels – lots of “A flying possum who wagged their tails in greeting. fl ew down beside the pickup Paula noticed Heyden hwas ing Santa.” them! talks?” Mary said. “How can “When Paula told me some- truck leading the big trucks. carrying a pretty Christmas “Let’s go, people,” Wal- “Uh, howdy. I’m Paula the you – “ body was in need, I remem- It was Chief Jerry from the present. She ran over to Cindy ter the Wonder Dog barked. Super Possum. Mr. Richard “It’s a long story,” Paula bered seeing this tree down lake, so she turned and fl ew and gave it to her. “Paula, show us the way!” knows me.” said. “Now, hurry up and get in the Green Swamp. Me and alongside him. She saw a little “Can we be friends?” Hey- In ones and twos and “But we don’t!” the squir- your coats on! It’s cold out Big Boy went and cut it, just girl sitting in the front seat of den said. threes, the animals all jumped rels chirred. here.” Mary dropped a sweat- for you. I hope it’s all right.” one of the trucks. “You want to be friends into the air, barking and bray- “What’s going on out shirt over Cindy’s head, then “It’s beautiful,” Mary said, “Well, Merry Christmas, with me?” Cindy said. “Wow! ing and meowing and singing. there?’ Mr. Richard shouted wrapped her in a boy’s coat tears in her eyes. Paula!” Chief Jerry said. I like that dress!” Paula got them formed up on form the door. “Stand down, several sizes too big. Mary “We’ll help decorate it!” “Merry Christmas, Chief ! Mary came up to Paula and the right heading, then spun Pirate! Merry Christmas, pulled a blanket around her came a chorus of voices out of Aren’t you driving a little held out her hand. back around over the people Paula!” own shoulders. the night. A whole colony of slow to go to a fi re?’ “I can’t fi gure out how to gathered in Mary’s front yard. “Some security you have “Is that all you have?” fl ying squirrels came piling “We aren’t going to a fi re,” hug you, and I don’t know “I almost forgot my man- here,” Paula said. “Merry Paula said. out of Mr. Richard’s truck and he said. “A friend of yours how to shake hands with a ners!’ she shouted. “Merry Christmas, Richard. I need Mary nodded, embar- began zooming around. They named Charlie told Miss Ruth talking possum,” Mary said, Christmas, everyone!” some help for some people. rassed. fl ew in one window and out about a family that needed “but thank you – thank you “Merry Christmas, Paula!” I’m sorry to bother you on the “We stay warm enough – I the other, each one carrying a help. Well, we’re fi refi ghters – so much.” Paula hesitated a they called back, and Paula holiday and all.” won’t let Cindy be cold. I can decoration. Henrietta pointed we help people. We have food, moment, then gently fl ew into fl ew off into the night on an- “If you say they need help, handle it. But what is going out where each one should go. clothes, you name it. Your Mary’s arms. other adventure. I’m going to help however I on? What’s that fl ying down Paula fl oated up to the roof buddy is back there in the “We hug just like we shake The end can,” he said. “What do they the road?” of the porch. pumper with Little Hayden.” hands – like any other pos- need?’ “My friends!” Paula shout- “Where’s Charlie?” she “Thanks, Chief !” Paula sum,” she said. “I’m just glad “Everything,” Paula said. ed. “Shelter, food, clothing, fuel.” Mabel and Melanie came Richard grabbed a ring of flying down and landed in keys. the yard of the little house. “I just bought two storage Wesley, Susie and Walter lockers full of stuff,” he said. the Wonderdog landed right “Furniture, clothes, appli- behind them. They were all ances – you name it. One of carrying bags overflowing them was full of Christmas with Christmas decorations. decorations, too. No idea what “Those sure ain’t rein- to do with them until just now. deer,” Mary said, amazed. Where are we heading?” “Did Santa send you?” “Well,” Paula said, “we’ve Mary cuddled Cindy in her been known to help Santa out lap and opened the book of Bi- on occasion.” Paula zoomed ble stories. Mary wished she up into the air. had something for the little “Okay, animals and people! girl for Christmas; she knew Let’s get to work!” that someday, Cindy would As Mabel and Melanie never want for anything, but walked down the sides of the times were hard this year. house, Miguel the possum Mary had two more years of and the cats, Henrietta and classes – well, three, since she Johnny Spots, pulled Christ- had to work full-time to take mas lights out of the bags on care of Cindy – and things the donkey’s backs. Some- Another great season is upon us, and we hope yours were tough. She hoped maybe times the donkeys had to fl y she could fi nd a new job, or just a little to help the smaller is filled with good times for you and your family. maybe get a scholarship if animals reach the eaves of she studied hard and made the house. Your business is very valuable to us and we thank better grades than anyone in “Mary, look!” Cindy said. the class. All down the driveway, you for shopping with us this year. Cindy had trouble making little animals were stringing friends even before her par- Christmas lights and bulbs We look forward to serving you in 2018! ents went away; Mary loved along trees and fence posts. her as if she was her own Possums, squirrels, owls, rab- child, and treasured every bits, dogs and cats were hang- moment they spent together, ing decorations and checking but she wanted Cindy to have brightly colored bulbs. friends her own age that she A white truck pulling a big could play with. Cindy loved trailer pulled into the drive- Whiteville, NC Scruffy, though, and even way, and the other vehicles when they had a hard time, began following it. Tabor City, NC Mary made sure there was “Be right back,” Paula enough for Scruffy and Cindy said, and flew toward the to eat. She watched Cindy and truck. She hovered beside the Scruffy all the time, making window for a minute, then sure they were safe. nodded and fl ew back toward “What story do you want the house. “Watch out, Little to read tonight?” Mary asked. Cindy! Mr. Richard is going to Cindy pointed to the story of back the trailer up!” the Nativity. The truck spun easily “Silly. It’s Christmas! I around in the driveway, then want that one.” Mary’s heart backed up almost perfect to sank. the door. A bearded man with “I wish we had some gifts a nice smile jumped out and for you, honey. I’m sorry.” extended his hand. “Don’t be sorry,” Cindy

from Sheryl, Stephanie, & Rebecca at DUNCAN’S INSURANCE WORLD, INC 924 South Madison St., Whiteville (910) 642-8376 The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 18

went to my uncle and aunt’s Smile A special baby My favorite house to eat and all of my fam- Amazed with your gifts Nice ily was there. After I fi nished Nice Elves Christmas my food I went to my papa’s thankful Santa My favorite Christmas pond to fi sh. After I was done Amazed memory was when I was three fi shing I went to my papa and Samantha 7 years old. I got so many pres- grandma’s house that day the Cynthia 8 2nd Grade ents. I got a baby doll, tea cups, 20 pound climb the wall while i 3rd Grade Cydell Godwin shoes, toys and clothes. I got was playing with the dog. That Cydell Godwin Chadbourn Elementary different kinds of stuff. After night the dog slept with me on Chadbourn Elementary I washed I went outside and the couch. That is my favorite Say a prayer played in the snow and my memory and seeing my family Joy Always be thankful sister threw a snowball and in Delco. We road bikes and Earth Never doubt Jesus then we made snow angels like played inside. We got a remote Special take time to say thank you we we always do. When we get control truck to play with. It Unique A jolly Christmas snow then we fi nished playing was slippery and the remote Salvation Santa is always looking and went inside and drunk hot control truck slipped. Exicted about Christmas cocoa and watched the polar Dawson Crosby, 8 Jesus was here on Christ- Love express and then talk and ev- Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade mas Day, Faith eryone went home. Acme Delco Elementary Alot of joy spread along Charity Bland, 8 the way. Skyler 8 Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade Me and my family build a So, we say this to him this 3rd Grade Acme Delco Elementary snowman and play snowball. I day, Cydell Godwin got presents and made an angel Happy birthday! Chadbourn elementary My favorite Christmas and a cat. I got my bike and I memory was when it snowed couldn’t ride my bike because Eva 9 Jesus and we went down to my mema it was stuck in the snow and I 3rd Grade Oh, Salvation and papa’s. We got a chain and destroyed the snowman. Spaulding Yeah, I Love Jesus chained the sled to the four Atiel Hernandez, 9 Chadbourn Elementary wheeler and rode all around Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade Taylor 8 the house and up and down the Acme Delco Elementary Santa 3rd Grade driveway. It was so much fun. I Naughty kids Cydell Godwin loved that memory. One Christmas morning Oh what fun Chadbourn Elementary Marlee Buffkin, 9 I woke up and I put on some Wonderful time of the year Trevor Simmons Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade clothes to go outside. When I Grab a bag of goodies 11th Grade Acme Delco Elementary South Columbus High School got done I went outside and Light of the world Dear Santa, built a snowman. Then my sis- O’ Christmas Tree Please forgive those who are My favorite Christmas day ter came outside and messed it Being with family disobedient and are not pay- A happy kid was when I was helping people. up. Then I made a snowball and Elf on the shelf Candy I also played outside with the ing attention in their classes. Song at church threw it at her. She picked one I know deep down they really happy Christmas snow. Then I played soccer with up and she threw it at me. Then Kadence, 9 Rudolph my brother. want to be good children, but Abigail Barnhill, 9 we had a snowball fi ght. She Cydell Godwin’s 3rd Grade sometimes it is just very diffi - I am happy Yahel Tapia, 9 Melissa McPherson’s 3rd Grade chased me around the yard. Chadbourn Elementary cult. I really would like for each Sing songs Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade Williams Township School Then we both chased each ot them to receive some kind of time to play Acme Delco Elementary other around the yard. We kept White snow is on the ground gift. Thank you in advance for Cookies for Santa Claus Making it fun to wrap on running and running until Ice is everywhere your kindness and generosity. houses decorated A Christmas ornament My favorite Christmas is we got tired. Then we went in No sun to melt the snow Remember Jesus Santa is nice when I had a snowball fi ght at the house to take a break. Then taking time to make a snow- Natavion 8 Is family time home. I went to the park and we never came out because we man for Christmas 3rd Grade Saviour was born Zora Green, 8 went sledding in the snow. went to sleep. That is was one Every Christmas brings Spaulding toys being given Melissa McPherson’s 3rd Grade Then I went to my sister’s of my best memories. sparkling white snow Chadbourn Elementary Meeting with family Williams Township School house and played in the snow Trista Robinson, 8 Rest and enjoy my Christ- Angels singing some more. Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade mas snowman Zachary Ellis, 9 Stars shining bright on Acme Delco Elementary Christmas magic Christ Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade Christmas night KeAndre 9 happy children happy children Acme Delco Elementary My favorite winter memory 3rd Grade R Reindeer nose Morgan Cartrette, 9 eindeer was when I was playing in the Chadbourn Elementary School I I am waiting Melissa McPherson’s 3rd Grade cicles snow and making snow angels. S Santa Claus Williams Township School anta One I had a very good time it was so Christmas is the best holi- toys to play trees fun. I built a beautiful snow- day of the year Magic reindeer Mistletoe man with branch arms. I loved happiness to everyone Christmas A Christmas tree Christmas A time for family it! I put a pointed carrot nose Rudolph with the red nose Singing carols heavenly Savior on it. On Christmas Eve I went If he can come from the Day Reindeer on roof One Christmas day I had to my mama and papa’s house. North Pole Emma Wood, 8 Ice cream on pie Seth Hardee, 8 woke up and it was snowing. It was so much fun. I played Santa is the best Melissa McPherson’s 3rd Grade Snowfl akes Melissa McPherson’s 3rd Grade So, then I asked could I go out- with my dog named Lucky. He time to celebrate Jesus’ Williams Township School tap shoes under the tree Williams Township School side and my mom said yes. So, is so gentle. birth Merry then when I stepped outside I Ronald Tannenbaum, 8 Merry Christmas An elf on the shelf smelled the air and then PLOP! Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade Ask Santa for more gifts A snowball landed in my face Son of God Acme Delco Elementary Santa Claus is coming to Christ and it was so cold. My cousin town holly had threw the snowball. He Summer Beasley, 8 When it was Christmas Riding the sleigh was hiding in the bushes. Then Melissa McPherson’s 3rd Grade my family and I went to our Kenya Icicles I made a hard, hard snowball Williams Township School cousin’s house. We got to our 3rd Grade Sleigh bells ringing and I hit him in the head and cousins house like about one Spaulding toys to make then I ran behind the pump o’clock. When we got there I Chadbourn Elementary Making a snowman house. So, he wiped it off and started to play with my cousin. Angels then looked sharply to see if Greetings of the Season We started to play on the tram- My family Singing songs he could see me. When he was poline and we played kickball, Evergreen Trees not looking I ran behind the and we played basketball. Then Rejoice Kiera Dubinin, 9 house. Before I knew it I got it was starting to get a little bit Rudolph Melissa McPherson’s 3rd Grade spotted so we both started to late, so we made a fi re because Year after year I’m blessed Williams Township School make a shield so we would not it was night time and it was Christmas get hit. We both did the same cold. We stayed beside the fi re hallelujah With wishes warm and bright to all of our neighbors thing. I threw a snowball. He to warm up because it was cold. Reindeers Cheerful threw a snowball. Back to back this Christmas. We’re honored to serve you We stayed beside the fi re until I’m excited happy holidays they kept coming over and over and are deeply grateful for your trust in us. it was10 o’clock at night. Then Sled Rudolph lights the way in till we got so tired that are we went inside to eat a lot of tree Ornaments Icy weather hands were freezing so we went stuff. Then when we fi nished Merry Christmas Snow inside and put hot water on eating we went back outside. Always be thankful toys to get our hands. Then we drank hot We sat on the porch. Then later Santa Merry Christmas 902 South Franklin Street, Whiteville • 642-7178 cocoa and then I sang a song on we went back inside. We “I am chilly. I feel like Willy. I saw a lot of presents under Niveah 9 put my penny in the spinney the Christmas tree. We opened 3rd Grade that goes around and around. the presents. I got a remote Cydell Godwin It hops and pops. It jumps the control car, some clothes, and Chadbourn Elementary hills that are in the fi elds which other stuff. I had to sleep in late makes me silly. So I asked my because it was Christmas and Christmas cousin did he want to go out- I wanted to open the presents. A Merry Christmas side again and he said he wants Axel Florido Candido, 8 Naughty to fi nish his cocoa. He said that Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade December they he was close to fi nishing Acme Delco Elementary Yes Jesus Loves Me and needed to dry. So, I sat Cookies for Santa there and waited and waited and i started to play my tablet. When our clothes were dried we rode our bikes and then I got off to get some snow and I slipped. So I thought maybe we can do this again tomorrow. Jaylin Brown, 9 Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade Acme Delco Elementary

One winter day it snowed in North Carolina. It rarely People may come and go, but snows here. So, it was a really fun memory for me. My friend memories of the good times shared, Samantha got me some gloves because I didn’t have any. I make the trip worthwhile. bundled up and went outside. Samantha and I made snow- To all those who’ve come through men. I made the biggest one We Thank You With All Sincerity! out of all. It was really fun. here and all who’ve We were going to use that as Wishing you all the trimmings of a truly the middle ball but it was way miraculous holiday season. Christmas too big and we couldn’t even Greetingschosen to stay, we offer toour thanks You lift it up. After that Samantha’s Dr. Billy Prease and Staff brothers, Bradley and Thomas and warm wishes for the most and my brother Kaleb had a Columbus Family snowball fi ght. We built barri- memorable Christmas ever! ers and we all had a good time! Chiropractic Center Sara Coleman, 9 5754 Chadbourn Hwy. Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade Acme Delco Elementary Chadbourn Town of Chadbourn (910) 654-3581 On Christmas morning 1 Phillip Britt, Mayor year ago I went to South Caroli- Council: Donald Bass, Danny Clewis Sr., David Worley, Colene Kelly, na to see my grandma and papa James Green and Trey Burke Town Manager & Staff and family. When i got there i The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 18

merry Christmas. inside again. Jingle Bells Ring Bo, 8 I hear jingle bells that means Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade that Santa is coming to town. I Cerro Gordo Elementary love the smell of gingerbread cookies and cinnamon milk Once upon a time it was for Santa. They smell so good Christmas Eve and a little girl I want to be Santa so I can eat named Skylah. She was very all these yummy treats. happy it was Christmas night. Nevaeh, 9 She went to bed. And Santa Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade is coming she thought and as Cerro Gordo Elementary she went to sleep. Skylah hear some noise on the roof. Skylah woke up and went outside and Once upon saw all eight reindeer. It was “Amazing!” she said. Skylah a time saw all of the presents. Sky- Once upon a time there was lah went back inside and saw a boy who wanted to go outside Santa. Skylah thought it was a dream, she blinked her eyes Yosein Parocios in the snow. But he could not and it wasn’t a dream. Skylah Elizabeth Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class because rushed back outside got a lad- Acme Delco Middle School He had to do his homework. Next, he had to eat dinner then der and went on to the roof and I’Naya Graham he could go outside in the snow. got on Santa’s sleigh. When Elizabeth Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class this year. I would like to receive Then he went outside in Santa got on his sleigh and Acme Delco Middle School Dear Santa lots of presents for me and the snow and played with his road off with Skylah on it. full of gingerbread houses and my brother, Brody. My little hover bard. Finally he went They rode off to wonder land The night no one will for- Dear Santa, candy can and Santa looked brother love to talk can you get get… This is want I want for in the sleigh and Skylah said, him a toy that talks back toy. I Once upon time there was Christmas, a new PS4 con- “It’s you, It’s you!” and she would like to receive a PS4 and a little girl named Anyah It troller. I also want homes for jumped up and down. Santa a hover board. was Christmas Eve there was the homeless and food for showed her all around wonder Love, Kaleigh cookies waiting for Santa, the people in Africa. I want land. Kaleigh, 9 Christmas carols, and presents my little sister to get a little Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Skylah, 9 under the tree .Everyone was Mickey Mouse phone. I want Cerro Gordo Elementary Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade asleep until a sound was hear my oldest sister to get a Dodge Cerro Gordo Elementary ! Anyah went down stairs and Charger. My second oldest Dear Santa, saw nothing. Just then Anyah sister to get a iPhone 8. I want Once upon a time there was I heard a story that a boy heard the sound again. Anyah to get a 3DS with Mario Cart a little girl named Olivia. Ol- want to go outside, but his hid behind the stairs and the 7 and new Samsung and a Mi- ivia loved Christmas. She loved mom told he had to do his sound she heard was reindeer. chel Jackson album. The last the food, present, and mostly chores. But they boy got md Then Santa, slid down the thing I want for Christmas is spending time with family and said, “NO!” Santa put him chimney with jolly Ho,Ho,Ho. to get touch Rudolph, Dancer, and friends. One day Olivia on the naughty list, but some- Santa gobbled up the cookies Dasher, Prancer, Comet, Cupid, asked her mom to go outside thing happened, he was doing and put presents under the Donner and Blitzen. and play with her friends. Her his chores. Then Santa was tree. That night Anyah had a Larry, 9 mom said get everything on. happy and he put the boy in wonderful thought in her head. Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Olivia said ok but can I help the good list and the boy went Merry Christmas. Cerro Gordo Elementary you make food later. Mom said outside. The End Anyah, 8 yes dear but come inside at 5:00 Saul, 10 Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Dear Santa, p.m. Ok said mom Said Olivia. Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary I want a I phone 7 and a mini Cerro Gordo Elementary Soon Olivia went inside she and a swing set and a Hover was tired. Then Olivia went board and a chrome book and to help mom make dinner for a skate board and a air force tomorrow. Then Olivia went to book and a air force book bag Twinkles and bed. Tomorrow was Christmas and a pet horse and a pet bunny Olivia was excited. Olivia woke and a football and a basketball dingles up she ran down stairs. She and a basketball hoop. Twinkles and Dingles saw so may presents to open. Aiden, 8 Christmas trees dingle She went to wake up her mom Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Santa’s bell twinkles. As his and dad. Then they started to Cerro Gordo Elementary reindeers setoff on Christmas open presents. Then ate dinner Eve. Santa ate cookies as he with their family. Dear Santa, gave lovely kids gifts. Witch Lia, 9 For Christmas, I want a Kadance Hammonds they are very happy now. Now Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Allie Crowley baby alive, ginger bread man C. Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Santa eats cookies and milk Cerro Gordo Elementar M. Bridger’s 2nd Grade and a board game. I would like Central Middle School on Christmas night and says Acme Delco Elementary new outdoor reindeer decorations too - Rudolph, Dancer, Comet, and Donner because my dog messed all of it up. Merry Christmas. Madisyn, 9 Nothing Speaks Of Home Like Hills... Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Dewey Hill and Company wish you & your family a very Dear Santa, I will like a pet rabbit for Christmas, but Grandma says Merry Christmas and a I’m too young, but I know my wish will come true one day. If I Happy New Year do get a pet rabbit it will have to be at my Aunts house. Will you also get me a cage, a bag of food and some toys for it, please. T hanks Merry Christmas, P.S see you soon Santa Haley, 9 Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Jerry Soles, Manager - Hills #1 Dear Santa, Hills South Whiteville Village, Whiteville I want a toy car, a toy school, a Xbox 1, and, the new Mario game I hope you have a safe trip. One apron a time there was a boy named tray who play in the snow with no snow hat he For generations, Columbus County shop- got his snow hat and got outside and the snow was gone. pers have spread their holiday tables with the The end Ty Quiel, 9 Richard Ward, Manager - Hills #3 Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade bounty of Hills. In every season and with Cerro Gordo Elementary Hills Plaza, Lake Waccamaw every family gathering, Hills has been part Dear Santa, I love you and your elf. Can you by me a phone? I know it’s of the planning and preparation of special hard but if you cannot buy me that then buy or make me it. meals, shared together. Can you make me a computer cause we are doing SumDog on our minis if we had a tablet or a computer so I really love that As many of our local families struggle with Jason Bernier, Manager - Hills #12 Santa so Merry Christmas and 5001-3 Main St., Shallotte happy new years. economic challenges, it’s always good to Kaylee, 9 Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary know that Hills can be depended on to pro-

Dear Santa, vide quality food at super low prices. For Christmas I want a new phone, books, clothes, socks, shoes, a puppy, some things for my and my sisters bed room, and other things. Merry Edward Ward, Manager - Hills #18 Christmas Mr. and Mrs. Claus JK Powell Blvd., Whiteville enjoy Christmas. P.S.I’ll try to have you some cookies and milk! Ho Ho Ho!!! Love you and you are the best! Shyleigh, 8 Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary

Dear Santa, , Manager - Hills #21 My name is Kaleigh and I’m Randy Spivey 9 years old. I have been good 4227 Broad St., Loris, SC The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 19

two pairs of pants, socks, and My Favorite Christmas boots. When I went outside, I Memory made snowballs. I felt really My favorite Christmas cold, and I felt like having a memory is when we had a lot of fun. Christmas breakfast. It was Annalee Powers, 8 me, my mom, my dad, my Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade brother, and my dog. We had Cerro Gordo Elementary pancakes, sausage, bacon, and eggs. We all ate after opening presents. Even my dog ate My Favorite pancakes and sausage, but she would not eat eggs. She was Christmas so funny. She would put eggs in her mouth then she would Memory spit it out and then put more My favorite part of Christ- in her mouth. Everybody was mas is when my entire family laughing at her. My dog loved goes to my Grandma’s and we her stocking full of treats. So open a bunch of presents and that was my favorite Christmas have a big feast. We watch memory. What is yours? “The Family Game Show” too. Chloe Edmund, 8 Grandma is my dad’s mom Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade and she lives one mile away Cerro Gordo Elementary from me. My grandma gives us presents and we give presents to her and it’s really fun. The My Christmas feast is huge with all kinds of food, like corn, potatoes, Memory and for dessert, some cookies. My favorite Christmas Then after that we open some memory is my family going presents. I’m the littlest in the around and visiting our rela- family, so I get the most pres- tives during the holiday sea- ents. Next we open them and son. I go to my Grandma Syl- Anarely Nunez Ava Jacobs just do stuff with our presents. via’s and I open presents and Elizabeth Spaulding’s 7th Grade Art Class Elizabeth Spaulding’s 7th Grade Art Class Then, if my cousins and I are have fun and we eat Christmas Hallsboro Middle School Hallsboro Middle School bored with playing with our dinner and we watch “The Po- Christmas presents, then my lar Express.” Last year while Finally, I opened one and I got a saw white stuff all over the One day My Christmas Memory cousins will play with my hair. we were watching it, we ate teepee tent. My daddy, my dog window. I went to my mom’s One day I was 7 years old on My Christmas memory is Kenzie Bowen, 8 popcorn. My Grandma Sylvia Ellie, and I went outside in the bedroom and I asked if I could Christmas day. I woke up happy when I went to my Aunt Cher- Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade is my daddy’s mama. After the snow and played. My cousin, go outside to play in the snow. on Christmas day. I got out of yl’s house. First we got ready. Cerro Gordo Elementary movie, we opened presents. Campbell, came with us. We She said I could, so I put on bed and got dressed, then went We put our clothes on. We got jumped on my trampoline two pairs of pants, socks, two to my Grandma’s house. I begs the things we needed to bring. with snow on it. Later we ate shirts, and two jackets. Then I my grandpop to open a gift. Now we had to drive. Driving macaroni, ribs, mashed pota- went outside. I made snowmen Then my cousin came over is my least favorite thing to do. toes, salad, and lemon pie. It and snow angels. It was fun to for Christmas. I got to open a Trystyn Hayes, 8 was delicious. After we left my be in the snow because I could gift next. I got a board game, Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade Grandma Sylvia’s, we visited do all the stuff that I couldn’t a match game. Next, I went Cerro Gordo Elementary other relatives. We went to my do last year. Then I went inside outside to play. Later I came in meme’s and papa’s, my mama’s to open presents. to play with my cousin. When mama and daddy. We ate just Logan Norris, 8 we got tired, we went to sleep. My Favorite some dessert because we were Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade Jamia, 9 not that hungry. It was apple Cerro Gordo Elementary Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Christmas pie. We made a gingerbread Cerro Gordo Elementary My favorite Christmas was house too. It was a great day! in 2013 when we had a snow- Blayden Ludlum, 9 Christmas storm. My brothers, Bradley Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade and Zac, got a tub of snow and Cerro Gordo Elementary spirit made snow cones. I went to Oh the Christmas spirit just my Nana’s and played with her My Christmas Memory won’t leave me alone through dog, Buffy. Then I went to my My favorite Christmas my body and in my bones this Mama’s. Then I got dressed in memory was two years ago warm stuff to go outside and Lucas West night won’t be a fright because Rayleigh Baldwin when it snowed a lot. When play in the snow and I had a Angie Ray’s Kindergarten guess who is coming tonight? Elizabeth Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class I woke up, I went to the living lot of fun. I wore two shirts, Old Dock Good old Saint Nick while Hallsboro Middle School room and looked outside and the sugarplums dance in our heads we won’t hear father Christmas in our houses not even from our beds. Rudolph, Dasher, Prancer, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Dancer and Blitzen oh what’s that on the roof click clock click clock oh look at the time tick tock tick tock as Santa leaves with a Ho, Ho, Ho all the children say, “Here we go, go, go.” Run down stairs with no worries at all look up under the Christmas tree where they’re going to have a ball. Teddy bears and Barbie dolls….look in our stoking Take a large dose of good cheer, - candy and cookies and she has a new toboggan. Sit by the fire, hot coco and toys and mix with several friends and this Christmas was a great joy Merry Christmas once and for family, and have a happy, all, but Santa is coming right after fall Ho, Ho, Ho - look at healthy Christmas! the sun, next Christmas were going to have lots of fun. Mariyah, 8 Thank you for choosing us. Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary JEFFERSON ST. Oh, the Christmas spirit just won’t leave me alone. WHITEVILLE A Holiday Though my body and in my bones this Christmas won’t McNeill’s Pharmacy be a fright cause guess who’s 642-3065 coming tonight. Sana, good old Prescription... Saint Nick, while the sugarplums danced in our heads. We won’t hear Father Christmas in our houses, not even from our beds. Rudolph, Dasher, Prancer, Comet, cupid, Donner, Dancer, and Blitzen. Oh what’s that on the roof, click, clock, click, clock, oh look at the time, tick, toc, tick. As Santa leaves with a, “Ho, Ho, Ho” all the children say, “Here we Go, Go, Go,” Run down stairs with no worries at all look under the Christmas tree. They’re going to have a ball. Teddy bears, baby dolls…oh look, in our stockings, candy and cookies. She got a new toboggan. Sit by the fire, hot cocoa and toys, oh this Christmas was a great joy. Merry Christmas once and for all, but Santa’s coming right after fall. Ho, Ho, Ho. Look at the sun, but next Christmas we’re going to have lots of fun. Mariyah, 8 Jessica Edwards 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary

Collin Milligan, 7 Janet Hewett’s 2nd Grade Williams Township The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 20 Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade My Christmas Memory My Favorite Cerro Gordo Elementary My favorite Christmas memory is how I spend time Christmas My Christmas Memory with my family, eating and My favorite Christmas opening presents. We go to my Memory memory happened last year. daddy’s and my aunt’s house. My Favorite Christmas My family and I had a deli- The people that are there are Memory cious Christmas dinner. We my cousins, Karlie and Tyler, My favorite Christmas had ham, macaroni, rice, fried my aunt, Papa, Mom, Uncle memory is when I was at my chicken, and green beans. My Larry, and some more family. Grandmaw’s house. I was sit- Grandma cooked it. We eat turkey, ham, lima beans, ting on the couch watching TV, Jamel Bellamy, 8 string beans, cake, brownies, and it was not Christmas yet, Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade and cupcakes. I bring presents but I wanted a lot of stuff. I was Cerro Gordo Elementary from my house to my aunt’s four years old. I wanted a fi re and we sort the presents to truck and I REALLY wanted My Christmas Memory each other and then open them. the new Hot Wheels set. I had Every year, my Pepa Jeff I feel happy to be spending time Tavianna Dobie, 7 Irma Galdamez, 7 Izeriah Brown, 7 just written my Christmas cooks a feast for the family for with my family and celebrating Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade list. A couple of days later, it Christmas dinner. Pepa Jeff Christmas with them. Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary was still not Christmas yet, is my mom’s dad. We go to his Savannah Norris, 8 but I heard jingle bells in the house in Chadbourn for Christ- Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade driveway. So I told my Grand- mas every year. He cooks Cerro Gordo Elementary maw and when she opened the ham, potato salad, chicken, door, the whole room smelled and macaroni and cheese. My My Christmas Memory like gingerbread. A man with mom, my dad, my sisters, my My Christmas memory is a red velvet coat, long white brother, my nana, and my aunt singing at my church. I go to beard, and a red hat was there. are there. We play with three Evergreen Baptist Church. My It was Santa Claus, not one of horses, Casey, Sea Biscuit, and mom and dad and my grand- the workers, it was the REAL Jake. Sometimes we ride the parents all come to see me and Santa and he brought me the horses. We play hide and go it is traditional. There are Hot Wheels set!!!!! That is my seek. We climb trees and play about fi ve of us and we sing favorite Christmas memory. kickball and soccer. We open “The Little Drummer Boy” and Kameron Packett, 9 our presents. We each get three “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade presents. After we sing, we go to the Fel- Cerro Gordo Elementary Cassidy King, 8 lowship Hall and eat. I like this Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade memory because I like singing Santiago, 6 Kendall Mitchell, 6 My Favorite Christmas Cerro Gordo Elementary in the church. Javonte Howard, 6 Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Memory Bradley Leggett, 8 Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary My favorite Christmas My Christmas Memory Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade Whiteville Primary memory is going to my Meme Last Christmas, I had a Cerro Gordo Elementary Terri’s house and eating food Christmas dinner with my and opening presents. The family at my grandparents’ weekend before Christmas, my house. There was lots of food. My Christmas grandmother and grandfather I got 2 plates of food. Mawmaw and my family go to her house cooked ham, deviled eggs, Tree and lots of my other family stuffi ng, and corn. After we My Christmas tree is green. are there. When we walk into ate, everyone played football It has ornaments on it. It has the house, the wrapping paper outside. My baby brother and colored lights on it. My mom and the bows are so pretty and I beat my mom, my brother, decorates it. We help her Christmas tree is so pretty. It and my sister. After football, decorate a little bit. It is in our makes me feel happy because we watched The Polar Express. kitchen. I can’t wait for there I get to see others happy and My favorite part is when he to be presents under it! laughing. Someone roasts gets on the train. Then I got Riley Horton, 8 oysters and people eat them dessert. It was Oreo pie. It was Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade outside, but not me, because very good. Cerro Gordo Elementary I do NOT like them. We also Wyatt Bushnell, 9 eat cake and salad, cupcakes, Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade Rylan Jordan, 6 Joseline Rodrigue , 6 Laney Bass, 6 casseroles, cheeseburgers, Cerro Gordo Elementary Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade and brownies. After we eat, Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary we open presents at my Meme My Christmas Memory Terri’s house. I am writing about my Zoey Williamson, 8 Christmas memory. My dad Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade puts the Christmas tree in the Cerro Gordo Elementary house and I help Mom and Dad decorate it. It is huge and it My Favorite Christmas has candy canes and a picture Memory of me in PreK on it. It also has My favorite Christmas a picture of my sister on it. It memory was when I fi rst got has a red angel and a small my dog. He is black and brown angel. It has a star with lights and he is fi ve years old now. of red, green, blue, and pink. It When he was two years old, he has Christmas balls on it. Me, used to sleep with me and my Mom, Dad, and my sister have sister. I used to pick him up, a good Christmas time. but now he is too big. At night, Lakeisha Chavis, 10 he stays outside and guards us. Ruthie Newman’s Third Grade Sometimes, I play fetch with Cerro Gordo Elementary Rhys Cox, 7 Myriah Evans, 7 him. Me and Buddy go walk- Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade ing to the end of the street and My Christmas Memory Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary back. I feed him, water him, My favorite Christmas was and warm wishes to our many walk him, and wash him. I last year. We decorated the named him Buddy because he Christmas tree and my Aunt best friends at this joyous time of year used to be by my side all the Angie cooked chicken and rice. time and he is my buddy, so She is my daddy’s brother’s that is why I named him Buddy. girlfriend, but on my mother’s Isaiah Alford, 9 side, she is my cousin. We all Columbus Veterinary Clinic Ruthie Newman’s 3rrd Grade drank hot cocoa and we sang “Take your pet to the country vet.” Cerro Gordo Elementary karaoke and skated. We played with baby dolls and with the pillow maker set. We made My Favorite bracelets and we watched The Polar Express. We ate popcorn. Christmas Then we opened presents. It One Christmas Eve, my was the best Christmas of my mom, baby sister, dad, brother, whole life. But this year is go- Jeff Burroughs, DVM uncle, aunt, Grandma, Papa, ing to be even better. and I were at my house drink- 910.654.6952 Ky’asia Smith, 8 Miguel Rodreguez, 7 Matthew Davis, 7 ing hot cocoa. We went outside 7495 Andrew Jackson Hwy., Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade Tammie Patrick’s 1st Grade to catch snowflakes on our Cerro Gordo Cerro Gordo Elementary Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary tongues. We looked at the clock and it was 11 p.m. My little sister knocked over the tree. We picked it up and luckily all the bulbs weren’t glass. We swept up the glass and put on our pajamas and went to bed. Christmas wasn’t ruined after all. I heard reindeer hoofs on the roof later that night. The next morning we opened our To Our Loyal Patrons presents. We said “Merry Folks, thanks for your , time of yeAr Christmas” and we all had a At this speciAl good Christmas. to support and let us not forget to tAke A moment Kiyani Graham, 8 we’d like friends And Ruthie Newman’s 3rd Grade our speciAl Cerro Gordo Elementary the real reason for this season... wish A very merry neighbors ew yeAr. Our Risen Lord & A hAppy n My Christmas christmAs your grAteful for e re truly Memory At this special time, I wish each w ’ . Last Christmas Eve, my And support dog Diamond, died. We were person in Columbus County trust decorating our tree and my the peace and joy of Christmas next door neighbor called and and a happy and D.D. Cox Agency, Inc. said our dog was loose. I ran Phil Gore, Manager; Pam Stanley Office Representative; outside to catch her but she prosperous New Year. ran from me into the road. Nineteen years of serving the Cheryl McRae, Representative; Charlie Gore, Representative Diamond didn’t see the car 16 White’s Crossing Plaza • Whiteville coming and it hit her and killed finest people in the world. 642-8493 • 1-800-807-3339 her. My uncle got Diamond out An Equal Opportunity Provider of the road and buried her. We Amon McKenzie all cried because we loved her so much. She was brown and Columbus County Commissioners white and had brown eyes. She District 1 like to play ball and she would bring me back the ball. She like to eat food. She ate food like a bear. I miss her so much. Shaniya Graham, 10 The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 21

When I woke up on Christ- with our toys. The we drank mas day I looked out of my eggnog. This is my Christmas back window and I saw snow. memory. So when I had saw that it had Laila Jones, Age 8 snowed I jumped up and down Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade on my mom and my dad’s bed. Acme Delco Elementary School Then I woke up my little sister and then I told her there was On Christmas I woke up my a bunch of snow. Then we had elf was gone. I went in the liv- asked my mom could we play ing room and a saw all the gifts. in the snow and she said yes. I was happy then in went back So we got on our winter clothes to sleep. Then I woke up my and went outside and threw family and they were waiting snowballs at each other. Then in the living room . I got a dirt we made a big snowman then bike and racetrack and some Samantha Martinez my god sister came outside money and some shoes. I got a 12th Grade and we made snow angels. So monster truck and I got a iPod. South Columbus High when we left outside we went It was a great Christmas! and opened our Christmas DaKarai Porter, Age 9 presents. Mine was a tablet and Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade my god sister’s was a computer Acme Delco Elementary School R. Kearla Washington No Name and she was screaming so bad 6th Grade because she was excited. My This is my Christmas mem- Tabor City Middle little sister, Kaylee’s present ories In Christmas I got a doll was a little pink car that she and some shoes. In my house had been begging for since her my mom brings some people to birthday and she had fi nally eat for Christmas. People come got it. Then we ate cookies for and I love it. My mom and dad breakfast and some pancakes. got me a gift for Christmas Then my family came over so when I was little. I got a lot of we could have a dinner and presents for Christmas. I wish then they all left. it could be like that. It still is Taneek Shipman Morgan Best, 9 but it is loud when people come 7th Grade Linda Parker’s 3rd Grade and they make a big mess .I Chadbourn Middle Acme Delco Elementary love Christmas very much. Reyna Vega-Carbajal, Age 10 First I get ready to go and Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade play outside with my cousins . Acme Delco Elementary School Then we have a snowball fi ght. Next we build a little snowman. Two of us had to go get rocks. Next we go inside get warm and we wait until the snow melts. Chase Avery, Age 8 Nasir Bowman Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade 7th Grade Acme Delco Elementary School No Name Tabor City Middle Hi my name is Addyson and one of my Christmas Shamika Moss memories is about me going to 7th Grade South Carolina. I went there to Chadbourn Middle see some of my family. It was fun. We ate and we played and we got birthday presents and Christmas presents. I even got a 100 dollar bill. Raegan Monroe Addyson Crosby, Age 8 7th Grade Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade Cerro Gordo Elementary Acme Delco Elementary School

It was Christmas morning. I came down the hallway my papa was not there. He was Tashanna Faulk Meredith Cartrette in Iowa. I started opening a Tyreique Vereen W. Killen’s12th Grade 7th Grade present. I read the name. It 7th Grade Whiteville High Chadbourn Middle was from my papa. He gave Tabor City Middle me books and the rest were from Santa and grandma. I was so happy I got a present from papa. In Loving Memory of Irelynn Gooden, Age 8 Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade Cheryl Jefferson George Acme Delco Elementary School

One Christmas morning my sister Anna came screaming Tatiana McCray down the hall Santa left his 6th Grade deer she jumped all over me Tabor City Middle in my bed saying Santa left his deer Rudolph! Then I came in mommas room saying Anna is crazy! Well we all got up went in the living room and saw my plastic fake deer for target practice with a bow and arrow. I fl ipped out when I saw her creepy dolls. At this moment we are all going nuts. It was The memories of our loved ones are such a crazy Christmas. James Ham, Age 8 stored in our heart and soul.... Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade As we celebrate the message of that very Acme Delco Elementary School They are forever & eternal first Noel, we wish you and your family exceeding Once upon of a time I had a great joy this holiday season. 1009 North Christmas and it was fun. So John, LaDonna, here is my story about my best J.K. Powell Blvd Phil, Connie, Christmas ever. It was Christ- Whiteville Shaylee Nealey 910-642-6137 Monique Bonita, mas eve, mom was wrapping 8th Grade and Wendi me and my sis gifts. We were Tabor City Middle in my oldest sis room waiting for my mom to get done wrap- Bo’s Shopping Center, Clarkton • 647-0437 ping. We were playing games and picking around with my baby brother. When she got done we all went into the living room. We all asked if we can open one of the presents, but she said no. After we got done eating we all went to bed. The next morning when me and my oldest sis wake up we asked if we can open our gifts that time she even said no. She wanted us to wait for our other sis to wake up. When she woke Peace and Joy • Friends and Family up my mom woke up then she got her phone and we got one of ours gifts and open it. How Health and Prosperity • Success and Contentment this became my best Christmas ever was what she got me. It was a scooter. With well wishes to employees, their families and those in our Janiyah Harrelson, Age 9 Tyler Goodwin’s 3rd Grade community, we take this time to express thanks for our success, Acme Delco Elementary School and look forward to a bright new year. This is my Christmas memories. First I gathered together with my family and my granny cooked the food. We helped Happy Holidays, make the cookies for Santa. Then we went upstairs to go to sleep. We all woke up and Columbus County said good morning and got excited about our presents. All the grown up gave us our presents. Then after we opened our presents the grownups opened their presents. Then we played The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 22

Yamileth Gomez, 6 Greyson Troy, 6 Skye Mcclean, 6 Rylan Anderson, 6 Wendy E. McDaniel’s1st Grade Wendy E. McDaniel’s1st Grade Wendy E. McDaniel’s1st Grade Wendy E. McDaniel’s1st Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary

Serenity Johnson, 6 Angelo Prince, 7 Aziyah McCray, 6 Christopher Vereen-Gore, 7 Wendy E. McDaniel’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Chadbourn Elementary Chadbourn Elementary Chadbourn Elementary

Jaimeer Rose, 6 Jakeem Bellamy, 6 Michael Nobles, 7 Quadre Crawford, 6 Wendy E. McDaniel’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Chadbourn Elementary Chadbourn Elementary Chadbourn Elementary

Robert Strickland, 6 Tyshawn Hope, 7 Za’Kiyah Avant, 7 Wendy E. McDaniel’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Shannon Pierce’s1st Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Chadbourn Elementary Chadbourn Elementary Britnney Argueta Cetrena Spaulding’s 7th Grade Art Class Central Middle School

Itzel Rico Cetrena Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class Central Middle School

Dillion Moreno Grace Ann Wooten Cetrena Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class Cetrena Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class Central Middle School Central Middle School Andrenaizena Davis Cetrena Spaulding’s 7th Grade Art Class Central Middle School mmm... Merry Christmas! With warm Christmas wishes from our gang to yours. We couldn’t have done it without your support. Thanks for everything!

Logan Hardee Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Central Middle School Ashton Hammonds Asa Connor Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class PIZZA VILLAGE Cetrena Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class 701 Business South, Whiteville • 642-5812 Central Middle School Central Middle School The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 23

Dear Santa, you!” Instead of him getting I can use it. I hope you have Hi Santa, I want to have the angry with me, he thought it a great Christmas with your best Christmas ever this year. was funny. I ended up giving family! I hope it snows because I want him some money so he could Your friend, to build a snowman. I also have a good present from me. I Felix Castrejon, 9 want the whole Lego Dimeson gave my dad a box with letters Kim Andrews’ 4th grade set for a Xbox 360. I want a big with a little bow. I gave my Old Dock Elementary Lego set so I can build. The last mom a stuffed cat. thing I hope to get is a Roku Eliana Johnston, 10 November 20, 2017 stick. I hope we have a great Kim Andrews’ 4th grade Dear Santa, Christmas this year. I’ll hope Old Dock Elementary Have you been working hard for the bes t. this year? Are the Elves doing Your fr iend, November 20, 2017 good? I hope I’m on the good Terry Long, 9 Dear Santa, list this year! If I am, I would Jamier Faison Thank you so much for what love to have some new shoes Samatha Cahn Cetrena Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class My Favorite Christmas you do every year for me. You this Christmas. I think my Cetrena Spaulding’s 6th Grade Art Class Central Middle School My favorite Christmas is always get me what I want. shoe size is 7. My favorite color Central Middle School when I got my four wheeler. Can you do something for is blue. There are some more That year I had ask Santa for me? Can you get my elf on the things I would like but I don’t an iPad and couldn’t hardly shelf, Rosie, to come back? For want to list them all. I hope you wait to see if that’s what he got Christmas this year I want an have a safe flight this year! me. I woke up Christmas morn- iPhone 6 and a clear case for it. Your friend, ing to see my presents and just Thank you so much for coming Drake Ward, 9 like I wished for Santa had to my house every year! Santa, Kim Andrews’ 4th grade brought me an iPad, clothes, I want to tell you about Christ- Old Dock Elementary and lots of toys. I was so ex- mas. It’s not about your new cited with my iPad, then my toys, it’s about coming together My Favorite Christmas dad said he needed me to walk with your family and Jesus’s One Christmas morning outside with him for a second. birthday! my uncle woke me up and told He opened the back door and Love, me I had a lot of gifts. I ran there it was, my very own four Kenzley Fowler, 9 down stairs and saw all of the wheeler. This was my favorite Kim Andrews’ 4th grade gifts. I was so happy. I woke my Benjamin Thompson Christmas ever. Old Dock Elementary mama up to see them. She told Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Jalaysia Graham Luke Nance, 9 me I was a good girl this year Central Middle School Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Kim Andrews’ 4th grade November 20, 2017 and that is why I have so many Central Middle School Old Dock Elementary Dear Santa, gifts. My baby sister woke up I’ve been waiting for you and went in the living room. Dear Santa, all year so I’m going to tell you She got one of her gifts and Santa you are the nicest what I want this year. I would opened it. She got a baby doll person in the world. I hope that like to have a phone case for but she had more gifts. After you get me an elf on the shelf. my iPhone 6 and some cloths. we were done opening gifts, What I want for Christmas I’m so glad it’s almost time for we ate breakfast. We had some is a phone, toys, videogames, you to come. I hope that I’m cookies after then and watched gift cards, money, and a RC on the good list because I have a Christmas movie. We had a car. What I really want to do is been good at hope, school, and great Christmas! That’s not all, give presents to the homeless. everywhere! I’m saying this we played in snow and went I want to give presents to the because I know that you watch sledding down a hill. We had homeless because so they can me. I hope that I hope I get fun that day. feel happy too. I also want to what I’ve asked for. Autumn Liseney, 10 Jackson Friese celebrate God’s birthday. Love, Kim Andrews’ 4th grade Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Your friend, Andrea Cook, 11 Old Dock Elementary Jaden Jacobs Central Middle School Cody Mitchell, 10 4th grade Mrs. Kim Andrews Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Kim Andrews’ 4th grade Old Dock Elementary Central Middle School Old Dock Elementary Christmas Fun Dear Santa, You smell sweet sap, from Santa I hope I get what I a pine tree as soon as you step want I really want for Christ- in your house. You look around mas this year. I want several and you see a tree with lights things for this Christmas. I of all colors, in glee-you smile really want a RC Car and the and think “It’s Christmas two things that extra batteries time!”. You then run to your so when one is charging I can room to see how much money still be playing. The other thing you have, you sigh and mumble I want is another body for it to “Seventy dollars …that should look different or while one is be enough to buy everyone wet and drying off I can use something!” So you jump on the other body. your bike and ride to the mall. Malach Mitchell Your friend, You park your bike and walk in Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Landon Worley, 9 the mall. Soon you find every- Central Middle School Kim Andrews’ 4th grade one a gift (even your pet fish). Old Dock Elementary Then you buy wrapping paper Regina Bravo and go home to start wrapping Bryan Sambria Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Dear Santa, the gifts. When Christmas eve Mrs. C. Spaulding’s 8th Grade Central Middle School I`ve been waiting excitedly comes, you give everyone their Art Class for Christmas for a long time gifts. Your grandfather says Central Middle School wanting you to come. I already “Never forget that Christmas have my Christmas list ready. is not just about gifts but fam- I want a phone, a tablet, and ily and friends and also the Legos. I love Christmas so birth of Jesus.” You nod and much because of how you smile, “This was an awesome give gifts and in return you Christmas!” Jacob Wilson get a gift. Another thing I love Kinsey Reaves, 10 Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade about Christmas is how you 4th Mrs. Kim Andrews Evelyn Boswell Art Class spend time with family and Old Dock Elementary Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Jaylen Prevatte Central Middle School friends. Art Class Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Your friend, November 20, 2017 Central Middle School Art Class Takoda Zimmerman, 10 Dear Santa, Central Middle School Kim Andrews’ 4th grade I would really like to have Old Dock Elementary a drum kit, please with the drumming sticks. Santa can Dear Santa, you also get me a speaker so I My favorite holiday is can hit the drums and play the Christmas. Santa, I love Christ- songs I like at the same time? mas because we get to celebrate I would also like a new Mine- Jesus birthday. For Christmas craft for my Xbox because my I want six Beyblade burst and CD for Minecraft doesn`t work a remote control car. Santa anymore for some reason and Marcus Cribb Adaya Singletary Haleigh W. Leo Han I hope it snows this year so can I get Gold membership. I Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade I can build a snowman and want to play with my friends Art Class Art Class Art Class Art Class have a snowball fight with my online. I also want a gift card Central Middle School Central Middle School Central Middle School Central Middle School sister. One more thing, I want for my Xbox so my brother and a soccer ball so I can practice and get good like Cristiano Ronaldo. I hope you have a good Christmas! Your friend, Alex Bernal, 10 Merry Christmas Jesus Is The Reason Kim Andrews’ 4th grade Old Dock Elementary For The Season November 20,2017 Dear Santa, All these years you have gave me so many things throughout We Would like to say thank you for your the times, so that is why I’m not asking for a lot of stuff. What business, and We Wish everyone a blessed I want this year would be a big box of Lol surprise dolls. Christmas and neW year! Can they be big sisters? I also want to get a baby doll, with To our many friends and customers, we wish for you a Christmas some clothes, a bottle, and two or three binkies? Thank you season filled with family and friends. We look forward for all you have done for me. to serving your propane needs for many years to come. I Hope you have a very merry Christmas! Merry Christmas from Cape Fear Propane! CERRO GORDO Your friend, Abbigail Varnam,9 Kim Andrews’ 4th grade BODY SHOP Old Dock Elementary Brian and Jolene Hamilton My Favorite Christmas My favorite Christmas was 140 Bitmore Rd., Whiteville 654-5256 • 770-0689 when Santa brought me roller Keith Jimmy skates with blades. That year, Thompson, 642-4137 Grainger, 5196 Braswell Road my brother got a robot which Manager “Without Christ, Service Mgr. Cerro Gordo excited him. I pranked my there would be no Christmas.” brother with a big box and a (located just off Hwy 76) little note that read “I pranked The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 24

My Santa Letter history. I might even change and put it up and shot it. That What Dear Santa, the world. But I will have to afternoon I played in the snow. What I Got Christmas Joy This is what I want for eat the cookies and milk feed Easton and I shot our limit. What Christmas means to Christmas Christmas. I want a Cosmo and Santa some. I will get all the Easton and I had so much fun For Christmas me. Christmas is my favorite a 410. I would like a golden PS4 presents I want for no reason that day. My shotgun was the One Christmas day, I woke holiday. Christmas is my favorite holiday because you get a controller and a remote con- what so ever. I love Christmas best gift ever. I was so happy up to the sound of happiness Means to Me lot of presents. My elf is crazy. To me Christmas does not trol plane. Also a game called and Santa. that day. inside my house. I went to the always mean get. It also means living room and my family was His name is Piper. Two years Sniper Elite 4. I hope I get what Skiler Wiggins Jaimon Fipps ago he strung white stuff all give. You should never be self- opening gifts. I joined in then I I want. I been very, very, very, Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade over the fl oor. Last year he got ish. There are kids in the world unwrapped my fi rst gift. It was very, good. I have been good to Williams Township Elementary Williams Township Elementary in the freezer. Last year I got that have no toys at all. Some my sister she’s fi ve and she has a classic Sega Genesis with a basketball goal and it is still kids live in places where they been good too. I hope my sister built-in games. “Thanks.” I not put up. I want a coon dog for get little food and drink. So and I g et w hat w e w ant. What we do on My Christmas said. Brayden opened his sec- Christmas. I probably won’t get instead of asking and asking Love, ond gift. It was a toy dinosaur. it. If I do get him or her I will a for toys. Why don’t you help Logan Christmas Eve Note He was very happy. Adelyn name the boy Jacks and a girl to buy some toys to give to Logan Garrett On Christmas we leave out Dear Santa, opened her second gift. It was Little Girl. I might get a 22 rifl e other children in the world? Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade cookies and milk for Santa For Christmas my #1 thing a nail polish maker. She was su- with a scope. I’m getting new Christmas is a special time Williams Township Elementary Claus. Next we leave a note say- I want is a brand new phone per happy. I opened my second boots, a new hat, and a Drake of year. It is Jesus’s birthday ing thank you for the presents. because my old phone broke. gift. It was a 3DS with Pokémon coat. I want some duck calls. and there are many ways to Then we go to bed. Our parents Ever since then I been begging Ultra Moon. I want goggles for riding my dirt bike. I want a new dirt bike celebrate. You could have ev- wake us up the next morning to my grandma for a new phone Christmas was very fun. My Favorite helmet. I want gloves for riding erybody come to your house open our gifts it makes such a but she keeps on saying she’ll Christmas is my favorite holi- on Christmas Eve and open day. Christmas is a great holi- my dirt bike. I want them to be Christmas mess but we clean it up before think about it. So this year I Fox brand. Christmas means a the presents you gave them or My favorite Christmas was we go to bed. Then the next want you to get me a new phone day you could have everybody over Matthew McDaniel lot to me because I get to spend about three years ago. I ran to day on Christmas we always and I want it to be a Samsung a lot of time with my family. and you play a lot of Christmas Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade wake up my mom and dad be- play with our new toys and Galaxy S. I also want an Xbox Colton Allen songs on the piano. It is all up Williams Township Elementary cause they said I couldn’t open put on our new clothes. We go 360, a PS4, a Nintendo 3-DS, Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade to you. On every Christmas presents until they’re awake to my house and have a party. a Tablet, a Football, a Soccer Williams Township Elementary you are probably really excited like always my dad didn’t wake We have the best parties ever. ball, a brand new pair of shoes, and happy and once you open up until a hour later! Then Then we all go home and watch and a fi dget spinner. This year I all your presents. Do you say when that Christmas turned Christmas movies. hope I have been good so I can thank you? I do. Every present magical was when I opened Azyriah Bush get these things and I hope you I open I say thank you. Num- my presents. I was so happy. I Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade have a good year. ber one it is rude not to and got everything I wanted except Williams Township Elementary From, number two why would you not a Wii U. Then we went to my Hunter D. Hernandez say thank you when you get an grandma’s house. Things got Hunter Hernandez awesome present. That would even better at my grandma’s My Christmas Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade be super nice. You can never house. Everybody was there. On Christmas night my Williams Township Elementary go wrong with Christmas. You I got a $90, toy car and a video family and I bake cookies for can decorate as much as you game. Luckily and surpris- Santa. We always feed the can. You could even keep your ingly it was a game that was reindeer some food and glitter. My Christmas tree up all year. It does not mat- part of my favorite series of We go to bed early. We go to bed ter. As long as your happy at games, Sonic the Hedgehog. I at 9:30 so Santa can come to Eve Christmas. Who is not happy love Christmas, so much!!! our house. We love Christmas My Christmas Eve is so fun. at Christmas? Do you like to Jace Walters night. When we wake up we go We go to my grandpa’s house put up Christmas trees? I like Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade running as fast as we can run and eat a big dinner. Then we to. You can decorate your tree Williams Township Elementary to our tree to see what presents open presents. After that we any way you want to. You can we got. We always go see if the talk for a while. Later we go Merry Christmas to You and Yours do any colors. To me you don’t cookies and milk are gone too. to my grandma’s house. She May you find lots of presents under the tree, have to do Christmas colors, Christmas night is the best lives right beside us. We go but it is your opinion. Christ- Catching lots of harmony in your home, and much joy in night ever. over to her house and eat some your heart this Christmas. mas is my favorite time of the Santa Claus Mason Mcpherson more food. We open more pres- year. I hope you like it too. I’m Christmas day is coming Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade ents. We talk until it’s time for Please accept our very best wishes and sure everybody loves Santa. He soon and I am going to catch Williams Township Elementary Santa. Then we go home and know how much we value your loyal support. is the one that puts presents Santa Claus thanks to my three set some milk and cookies out From: Cathy Nance, Barry Horne under your tree, other than step plan. Step one, I will put for Santa and carrots for his your parents. He lives in the the milk and cookies in my My Favorite reindeer. Last we get our PJs and Staff North Pole and every Christ- room. Step two, I going to fi x a on and go to bed. mas he rides in his sleigh and trap like tripwire so when he Present Macelyn Cribb gives out presents to boys and steps in my room it will set off My favorite present was a Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade ENROH LP GAS girls. When he comes it would a bell. Step three, I will wake gun. It was a shotgun. I shot it Williams Township Elementary be nice to leave him some cook- up and catch Santa and get all 20 times at ducks with Easton. 638 N. Brown St., Chadbourn ies and maybe a glass of milk. the presents in the world. This It was Mossy Oak shadow Across from BB&T • 654-5806 That is what I do and when I will be the best Christmas in Grass Blades. I got a target wake up the next morning it is gone. He eats it all! Christmas is my favorite time of year and I hope you have as much fun celebrating it as I do. Kayla Hayes, 9 Kim Andrews’ 4th grade Old Dock Elementary

What Christmas Means to Me Christmas means a lot to me because the families come together and have fun opening presents. One Christmas day when I was fi ve or six my Uncle Calvin Strickland left to go get From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! something and he never came back. So my grandmother Jea- Clerk of Superior Court nette Perez went to go look for Jess Hill him. When she found him it was sad because he was dead. All the family went to his funeral. Everyone was sad. We will always remember him on his Birthday and on Christ- mas. So we miss him a lot and Christmas will never ever be the same. Reynaldo Hernandez Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade Williams Township Elementary Auto Collision Repair • Complete Frame Shop

CHRISTMAS DAY IS COM- • Custom Painting ING SOON!!! 129 West Walter Street • Downtown Whiteville Christ is good, awesome, www.whitevillebodyshop.com 910-642-3820 and cool Happy Birthday God!!! Reindeer could fl y Inner peace to everyone Snow comes sometimes on Celebrate the Miracle . . . Christmas eve Trees are used to make a house pretty the Greatest Gift of All Make a stocking and give the candy to someone. Antlers of a deer Santa Clause comes a day “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and before God’s birthday the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name Cayden Callihan, 9 shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The Kim Andrews’ 4th grade Old Dock Elementary everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6

My Santa In the spirit of this Letter joyous season, we Dear Santa, would like to join you I would like to get three and your family in a video games please. The names Time to say thanks to all of you who prayer for peace. We of the games are Hardline wish you all a happy two, Grand Theft Auto 6, and have made this past year a joy for us! Call of Duty WW2. There are and blessed new year. a couple more things I want such as a black chain necklace and a black ring. I hope I’m on Western Prong the nice list so I can get what I want. I would like to get a new Baptist Church pair of pants too. Love, 167 Peacock Road Chandler Whiteville Chandler Todd Located 6 miles south of Whiteville on Hwy. 701 S 910-648-2744 Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade Williams Township Elementary 642-3278 • 653-5165 The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 25

to give presents to because we My Christmas have like 20 kids on that side. Dear Santa We start from the baby’s, then Dear Santa, Gavin Duke, 4 Adventure the kids, and then the adults. Please can I have a Glim- Marci Oram’s PreK My Christmas adventure After opening presents we mies Glimtern, a black and Acme Delco Elementary begins one cold night sitting watch the family video. So ev- white tiger, a Power Wheels by the fi replace. Warm was the ery year we make a video about ride-on, and a Fisher Price Dear Santa Claus, fi replace on this cold Christ- the whole year and we watch it talking dog. Please I have the toys? Hot mas Eve night. My sister Molly on Christmas Day. So after we Wheels. Small present. A truck. came in. We didn’t have home- Jonathan Lagunas Gomez, 5 watch that we have a feast and Sergio Zarate, 4 work because of the holiday. Marci Oram’s PreK go home. The next day we go to Marci Oram’s PreK We were reading the Christ- Acme Delco Elementary my Grandma Ann’s house and Acme Delco Elementary mas story thinking about how Dear Santa, spend Christmas with her. We much we like Santa. He comes Please can I have 5 Nights at Dear Santa Claus, also have her family there but on his sled to bring us joy, Freddy’s toys, A bicycle, Legos, Please may I have some it’s not that big, but we all have happiness and presents. Then and Transformers, Ninja Tur- toys? A car and stickers and a fun. We open presents and my Molly said ‘’I wonder when tles, and crayons. piece of paper and a hairbrush, grandma cooks an amazing Santa will arrive tonight.” Joshua Jones, 5 and a folder for my daddy. dinner. Then we go home and We were watching The Polar Marci Oram’s PreK Miranda Autry, 5 play with all of our stuff and Express while waiting for Acme Delco Elementary Marci Oram’s PreK that’s our Christmas tradition. Santa to come. We had a blast. Acme Delco Elementary Dear Santa, I assured her enthusiastically Taylor Duncan Please can I have a princess, Dear Santa Claus, that my motion detector Santa Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade a trophy with the princess on You can bring me a big bowl alarm would tell us if Santa ar- Williams Township Elementary the door. A princess with a of ice cream, and a Hatchable, rived while we were drinking snowfl ake, and a princess with a doll-baby house and a doll- our hot chocolate. I learned 3 snowfl akes. baby car. how to make it on you tube. We Christmas Hazel Rabuck, 4 Armani Hickson, 5 even had bait...reindeer food. Marci Oram’s PreK Marci Oram’s PreK Sweet memories of that ugly We were all set for the night. Day Acme Delco Elementary Acme Delco Elementary About thirty minutes later On Christmas I am going to Dear Santa Claus, Christmas tree??? when The Polar Express was get a lot of presents. I might get Dear Santa, some toys that I want. I hope Please can I have a Hatch- just getting to the North Pole Please can I have Ben 10 By DORIS SMALL HEWETT I get 50 or more presents. We able and a baby doll and a when my Santa alarm went off watch with the aliens in the Throughout my 71 plus Christmases, I have fond memories- will have a big feast with lots Shopkins. beeping. We hid and Santa as middle, and a HeatBlast suit ---including: church services, decorations, greeting cards, of good food. We will talk and Karmin Robinson, 4 big and red as ever came down from Ben 10. gathering of family and friends, lots of good food and yes, some play. I think we will have a good Marci Oram’s PreK the chimney. We were as still Dante Kelly Martinez, 4 special gifts. The one constant of every Christmas along with time. My brother and I will Acme Delco Elementary as stone statues. We had our Marci Oram’s PreK the Nativity is the tree. play with all of our new stuff. recorder up and running. He Acme Delco Elementary Dear Santa Claus, As I was decorating our tree this year, my mind wandered We will go outside and play in carefully placed our presents Can I please have a Hatch- back through the years. I stopped and looked at photos of our the snow. We will have so much Dear Santa, under the Christmas tree and able, a Haley Doll, and Shop- tree or trees from past Christmas’s. Now, which one was my fun. We will share our toys and Can I please have a tablet? hustled up the chimney where kins. favorite, which one was the prettiest and yes, which one was play together. It will be the best A Barbie doll, a puppy, a pink we heard hooves stamping. cup, markers, and stickers. Olivia Britt, 5 the ugliest ---- I was immediately drawn to probably the ugliest The stamping noises ceased time ever. Andrea Harrelson, 4 Marci Oram’s PreK tree ever ------our 1969 tree. As I looked at the picture (a simple and Santa was gone. I couldn’t Tyler Bass Marci Oram’s PreK Acme Delco Elementary decorated tree looking like a tall, skinny sprig), my eyes went to believe it. We fi nally had proof Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade Acme Delco Elementary Dear Santa Claus, the precious gift sitting by the tree ---- our 11 month old fi rst born. that Santa was real. That was Williams Township Elementary Please I want Santa to buy This was our fi rst tree of a family of three. At that moment, I the most exciting Christmas I Dear Santa, me a kitchen, a unicorn truck, realized it’s not about how pretty (real or artifi cial), how many ever had. May I please have a toy mon- a deer car, and a house. special handmade, dated collectable ornaments are hung, how Samuel Meares ster truck, even a Transformer many pretty wrapped packages are placed underneath ----- it’s Kayla Alonso Martinez, 4 Kimberly Parker’s 4th Grade Whiteville’s please. A snowboard, and all about family and friends around the tree that we cherish and Marci Oram’s PreK Williams Township Elementary my family and all my friends remember. Sweet, sweet memories are not about that ugly tree. Santa come together at my house. Acme Delco Elementary BY CINDY PRICE BRITT Chase Freeman, 5 Dear Santa Claus, Marci Oram’s PreK Please can I have an Elsa Christmas Through laughter and tears Acme Delco Elementary Barbie, and Anna please. A Ms. Throughout the years. Tradition Dear Santa, Oram and Mrs. Shaw Barbie. Every Christmas Eve my Savannah Sweeney, 4 All through a career Can I please have a black family and I go to my Aunt Marci Oram’s PreK While children cheered. Spidey-suit, and a red Spidey- Wendy’s house to celebrate. suit too. Can you bring the deer Acme Delco Elementary At Aunt Wendy’s we eat and Always lending a hand, so I can see them? Dear Santa Claus, open presents. We usually Always a rescue an. Damien Kelly Martinez, 4 Please may I have My Little have our whole family there Marci Oram’s PreK Pony toys. Elsa costume, a so it’s a pretty big celebration. With that forever smile Acme Delco Elementary mermaid costume and that’s it. After we go home from Aunt And a twinkle in his eyes. Dear Santa Claus, Alyssa Allen, 5 Wendy’s we open presents at Marci Oram’s PreK my house with my family. After Please can I get a red-nosed We thank God above Acme Delco Elementary Tire Snowmen in Nakina. that my sister and I say bye to reindeer that fl ies, a real one? for our Whiteville Santa’s love. our elf. Then my sister and I go A big bouncy house and a real to bed. My sister Peyton and I Grinch. Thank you have always slept in the same Christopher Hall, 4 Mr. Burleson room on Christmas Eve so we Marci Oram’s PreK do that. Then Peyton and I Acme Delco Elementary wake up at like two o’clock in Dear Santa Claus, Merry the morning but we are not al- Please can I have a school lowed to get our parents up so bus monster truck, a toy. I we don’t and we go back to bed. wish I can go to bed and get a At six o’clock in the morning present. we wake our parents up. Our Christmas... parents are sleepy. It takes them forever to get up. After my parents get up Peyton and I rush to the living room. Since Christmas Greetings Peyton and I have good eyes our parent blindfold us. Then We would like to say they turn on the lights take off thank you for your our blindfolds and we go. All of our presents are really cool, business and wish even our dog gets presents! everyone a blessed After everyone sees our pres- Christmas and New Year! ents we go see my Mimi and Dr. Ron Cottle G-daddy. When we get to their house all of our cousins are Whiteville Family Physicians there. So we play with them. 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Home of Smart Wireless Options 50 Whiteville Towne Center Lay-away Available Whiteville • 910-640-5565 We offer insurance on prepay accounts!!! The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 26 The Package As I stood waiting in the swirling snow waiting for the Christmas train my feet froze like a cube of ice. My body felt like I was in alaska. I wish for a dirt bike from the man on the Christmas train. Finally I could her the train. It sounded like a trumpet. It was so loud like an earthquake. At last the train comes. I ran for the package, and I ran home to put the package under the Christmas tree. At last it was Christmas morning I ran down the stairs Aarlyn Searles, 10 and opened the the package it Anahi Martinez, 10 Arieth Martinez, 9 Karina Ulfsax’s 4th Grade Adrion Jenrette, 9 was a top,and two new socks I Karina Ulfsax’s 4th Grade Karina Ulfsax’s 4th Grade Acme-Delco Elementary Karina Ulfsax’s 4th Grade was disappointed but grateful Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary Acme-Delco Elementary because I needed socks to keep my feet warm. Fernando,10 Karina Ulfsax’s Fourth Grade Acme Delco Elementary

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Camdon Best, 10 Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Guideway Elementary

Camdon Best, 10 Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Guideway Elementary Braylyn Thompson, 9 Isaiah Gore, 8 Anthony Frasier, 8 Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Guideway Elementary Guideway Elementary Guideway Elementary

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Zachary Wooley, 8 Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Guideway Elementary

Landon Laws, 8 Tervon (TJ) Strickland, 8 Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Angela Tyler’s 3rd Grade Guideway Elementary Guideway Elementary The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 28

Akirah Smith, 6 Couri Bellamy, 6 Cristal Fernandez, 5 A. Jackson’s Kindergarten A. Jackson’s Kindergarten A. Jackson’s Kindergarten Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary

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Leah Campbell, 6 Laura McInnis, 5 Leivin Medina, 5 A. Jackson’s Kindergarten A. Jackson’s Kindergarten A. Jackson’s Kindergarten Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary Whiteville Primary The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 29

He would get out of sight My favorite Christmas Christmas overnight memory was when my best Christmas carols and I hope my puppy doesn’t friend and I went to the light Christmas songs, have a bad parasite. show. We drove partly through Why don’t you come and He could run around the the lights and the lights danced sing along. room at the speed of light. to the radio. We took a picture Playing and sometimes It turned bright it wasn’t in a giant lit up the ornament praying caring for each other night. was a big prop. We went to the and bearing not to open gifts Some of my family was miniature petting zoo and saw yet you could get a pet. impolite. a lot of animals. Or maybe get a toy jet, who Then it was over it was Next, we went home and knows! night ate supper. After we ate, we You could maybe watch spe- It was a great Christmas did the bean boozled challenge cial shows of Christmas joys sight. and almost puked everywhere. might make noise, Dakota Benton, 10 We went back upstairs to my Remember do not take toys! Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade bedroom, and we got a lot of It is going to be great so do Old Dock Elementary blankets and a few chairs. We not hate do not be late see you finally made a fort and slept soon while we listen to tunes My favorite Christmas in it. and look up at the moon it is memory was when I got a lot of We woke up and looked ev- fate so be ready to celebrate. things I wanted. One morning erywhere for Mickey, our elf Lizzy Cruz, 10 I woke up and started yelling on the shelf. After we found Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade “ It’s Christmas”. I got up and him, we ate breakfast, and Old Dock Elementary ran into the living room. My we went back upstairs to my mama and daddy were awake bedroom. When we got there, My favorite Christmas in the living room waiting we played monopoly and a few memory…well I do not have on me to get up. There were other games. one because my family and I Christmas presents every- We finally went outside, and Alexandria McKoy do not celebrate Christmas. My where. There was a big basket- it was freezing. We played bas- Princes’s Class family and I still have a tradi- ball box, a computer, a tablet, ketball and some more games. Columbus Charter School tion. We go to Cleveland, Texas and toys. I was so happy until I enjoyed this Christmas mem- to my grandma’s and cousin’s my mind was blown. I asked ory, and I hope that I can do it house. Every year my family them if I could go ahead and again for this Christmas. and I go there and we all have open my presents and they said Alexis Williamson, 10 a big cookout with BBQ and I had to give them morning Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade brisket. All the kids play hide hugs. As soon as I gave them Old Dock Elementary and seek in the dark at night. hugs I went straight to the It is extreme! And the next presents and started opening My favorite Christmas night we watch movies. We eat them. I was ripping the wrap- memory was a couple years ago popcorn, ice cream, Nutella ping paper up. The wrapping my brother and I were playing sandwiches, and drink Pepsi. paper was all over the floor by in the snow. He was walking So that is my memory. the time I was done. That was with a snow ball. I knew he had Jamin Hernandez, 10 probably the best Christmas it. I turned around with a stick. Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade I’ve ever had. As soon as I was He threw it and I hit it and it Old Dock Elementary done opening my presents I went everywhere. Then we got screamed thank you and gave in a snowball fight. I hit him in My favorite Christmas my mom and dad big hugs and the face by accident. He started memory is when my dad put kisses. Then, I started playing crying. Then my older brother up the Christmas tree and I with my toys and charging my came out there and hit me in Cenniya Williams put up the decorations. I also computer and tablet. I had a lot the face with a snowball. I got Princes’s Class remember sneaking into my of fun that Christmas. So that mad and hit him with a stick. Columbus Charter School mom’s room and watching her was my Christmas memory. We all got in a snowball fight. wrap presents. I waited until Rose Hilbourn, 10 When we went inside we were she put the presents under the Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade all covered in snow. Old Dock Elementary Wyatt Whaley, 10 tree and then we all fell asleep. Alexandria Benton Sabrina Ward’s Fifth Grade The next morning I went to Princes’s Class My favorite Christmas Old Dock Elementary the Christmas tree where my Columbus Charter School parents were already waiting. memory was when my best I opened my presents. I don’t friend and I went to the light My favorite Christmas was remember what I got but what show. We drove through part when my dad got me a shot- I actually enjoyed was spend- of it and played music. We got gun. My mom woke me up ing time with my parents and some hot cocoa and took pic- and I went to the dining room. sisters. Then we went outside tures under some of the lights. I looked at all the presents because it was snowing. After Everything was beautiful. I and I saw a long present and I we made snow angles and spent the night with my friend asked, “What is that?” Then I had snowball fights we went and we did the Bean Boozle opened it and I screamed. It’s inside where we sat down at challenge. We played some a shotgun. I asked,”Dad can I the kitchen table and ate. Then other games to. We decided to go shoot it please?” He said, we went to the living room sat build a fort and sleep under it “Let’s wait a little bit.” But Emma Rhodes down and watched movies till all night. We had kinks in our we did not shoot. THAT IS MY Princes’s Class we all fell asleep. necks when we woke up the MEMORY! Columbus Charter School Kimberly, 10 next morning. We ate breakfast Michael, 11 Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade and played monopoly and tried Sabrina Ward’s Fifth Grade Old Dock Elementary to find the elf. We ate lunch and Old Dock Elementary then I had to go home. That was Dear Santa, my favorite Christmas memo- My favorite Christmas I have been nice this whole ry because I got to spend time memory was the year I got year. I wanted to ask for a with my best friend. I hope we my four wheeler. It was fun few things. The first thing I can do it again this year and and that was my sister’s first wanted to ask you for is color have lots more fun. Christmas. Right after I got all changing nail powder to put in Aubrey Stocks, 10 my presents unwrapped I rode clear nail polish to paint my Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade my four wheeler. It did not nails. The next thing is some Old Dock Elementary snow, but it was still fun. Every nail sponges to blend different year we go to my grandma’s colors on my nails. I would also My favorite Christmas and papa’s. Afterwards we like the Good Burger movie on memory is when my elf on the go to my nana’s. Then we go DVD to watch at any time. Last shelf came to my house. We to my great grandma’s and but not least is for my mom’s were so excited because we papa’s. We all open presents baby to grow healthy and for really wanted one so bad. We and eat with them. Last of all everything to go well. Not like noticed him when we came we just go home and play with my mom’s last baby, it died home. We named him Dave our toys. When we get home from heart problems! Thank and asked him questions like we go to bed because we are You Santa! how old he is and what drink tuckered out. Sincerely, he likes? Every day we would Dillon Butler 10 Jillian Hatch Jessica Garcia-Bastida look for him. He once poured Vanessa B. Sabrina Ward’s Fifth Grade Princes’s Class Princes’s Class all of the flour on the stove Vanessa, 10 Old Dock Elementary Columbus Charter School Columbus Charter School Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade and made a snow angel. He also Old Dock Elementary took my Rudolph and acted like My favorite Christmas he was riding him. He took our memory is whenever I went to My favorite Christmas chocolate and ate it. We had a Christmas light show. They memory is when all of my fam- a great time with Dave there. had lights shaped like dragons ily piled up at my grandma’s We would be sad that he left and elf´s and fire trucks. They house and at the end of the day and wish he’d come back. He had a huge Christmas tree that we all eat dinner. My grandpa gave us blankets and I still use was like 50 feet tall. We rode comes home from work and today that blanket today. That through the light show in a we played with the cats with was my favorite Christmas van. We had lots of fun looking all of my cousins and then we memory. at the lights. This is my favorite opened presents and played Seth Black, 10 Christmas because of all the with them for an hour or so. Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade Christmas lights. Then we all go pile up in one Old Dock Elementary Andrew, 10 bed and go to sleep. That is my Sabrina Ward´s Fifth Grade favorite Christmas memory! My favorite Christmas Old Dock Elementary Taylor Lancaster, 9 memory was last year when I Sabrina Ward’s 5th Grade got Nerf guns and shot pretty Old Dock Elementary much everyone in my family with them. I got two Star Wars Christmas Sight action figures and a lap desk Paris Gleason I woke up one night and I which I ate on the couch with. Princes’s Class saw eyes shining so bright One of the action figures was Columbus Charter School they looked like Christmas the stormtrooper that can talk Peyton Brown lights. and had the fake jetpack that Princes’s Class It was a puppy looking cute made flying noises and the Columbus Charter School as delight. other action figure was the All my brother got a kite it stormtrooper that talks with was white the fake jetpack and makes It could fly in the air at a flying noises. good height. That day everyone came But the puppy had really over to my house and ate with bad sight us. My cousins and I played When I first saw it it was in the Wii. I played the piano. such a fright. We all sang Christmas songs. And it might be too little to Everyone was so happy with see at night. their presents and the grown- But I couldn’t see it because ups would keep laughing for of my sight. some reason. I guess only Sometimes the puppy might Santa knows why they were bite. laughing. Jennings Hardin We also got toy guns and Wesley Price, 10 Meah Johnson Durdles’s Class had a gunfight. Sabrina Ward’s Fifth Grade Colkins’s Class Columbus Charter School Old Dock Elementary Columbus Charter School The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 30 the Christmas tree and putting on my mounted duck. He put a Bryson Godwin, 9 your got all glittery! Sparkles we went outside so I could ride My True rocks on the fl oor. He also liked fake toy saddle on my duck. He Karen Prince’s Third Grade is a girl. But, she is pretty. She my bike and so that my broth- ruing Christmas. The next day had a stick in his hand. He had Williams Township School is also really crazy. She does ers could drive their remote Christmas Santa came. The bad elf forgot a little toy pistol of mine in his crazy stuff. control cars. it was Christmas and Santa hand. He had cowboy stuff on My Christmas Memory Lacey Worley, 8 So we come back inside and Memory caught him putting coal on from head to toe. My favorite Christmas Karen Prince’s Third Grade eat lunch, then we went to the My favorite Christmas the Christmas tree. Santa said, Easton McPherson, 8 memory is when my daddy Williams Township School mall to walk around, then we memory is when my brother “Why are you doing this?” The Karen Prince’s Third Grade came. That’s when I got some came back home to play with and I went to our dad’s house. elf said, “Because this is wrong Williams Township School boots I wanted. Before that I Christmas the toys we opened, then we We opened our Christmas on Christmas.” Then Santa liked when we set the Christ- On Christmas, my little elf went to go open the rest of our presents and then he took us said, “No!” My Crazy Elf mas tree up. After we set the always moves when we are presents and the toys we got to our great grandma’s and got Mika Williams, 8 One time my elf, Charlie, sat Christmas up, the best part is asleep. I love it when Santa after lunch were amazing. something to eat. Later on we Tracy Cox’s Third Grade on my brother’s mounted deer. when we put the angel on top of comes. It is so much fun! You A saying went through my went back home and opened Williams Township School He took on of my baby dolls the Christmas tree. That was get to get gifts to open. I put mind and it said “Christmas the rest of our presents. Then, and put it on his deer. I wanted the best Christmas memory out cookies and milk so Santa isn’t about the presents it’s my dad told us to close our A True Funny Christmas to play with it and I could not ever! can eat the cookies and drink about the ones you love and eyes and then he pulled out two Story About My Elf even play with it because Char- Azyriah Bush, 9 the milk. Sometimes, I put care about”. We ate dinner, bikes. My brother and I were so One day last Christmas lie had it. That elf messes up Karen Prince’s Third Grade little foods outside for Santa’s brushed our teeth, then our happy that Christmas! We want my elf Charlie got a piece of my house but, I still love him. Williams Township School deer. Sometimes I will stay up mama read us a Christmas to be happy. chocolate candy that I had. My Alyssa Keene 9 all night waiting for Santa but story call “The Night Before Monet Gore, 8 elf, Charlie, opened the glass Karen Prince’s Third Grade I like when we decorate he doesn’t come because I am Christmas”. Tracy Cox’s Third Grade door where my radio is and put Williams Township School my Christmas tree and play not asleep. This is my favorite Christ- Williams Township School the chocolate on the glass and Christmas songs. When we un- Jayden Williams, 8 mas memory because I never stuck himself to the chocolate! The Hurt Reindeer wrap the Christmas presents to Karen Prince’s Third Grade spend Christmas with my A Jolly Christmas It was so, so funny! My momma One time, Santa was getting see what is inside. There are Williams Township School mama till December 25, 2017. Last Christmas I got a foot- thought it was funny but she ready for Christmas. He had delicious foods ready to eat at Autumn McDowell, 14 ball and I got an elf for Christ- was mad at the same time! All the presents wrapped. He was the kitchen table. Christmas Christy Fipps-Todd’s English I mas. I saw a reindeer with of my family thought it was ready for the reindeer to be Jada Vazquez, 9 My Christmas starts out Class Santa. I went sledding when it funny! hooked to the sleigh. But, when Karen Prince’s Third Grade like this. When I was a little South Columbus High School was Christmas. I saw an elf in Kaya Hamilton, 9 he got to the barn, the reindeer Williams Township School girl I helped my daddy put up my house. Tracy Cox’s Third Grade were hurt and sick! Mrs. Claus the decorations on the tree. I My Favorite Christmas William Thomas, 9 Williams Township School had water and food to take care My Funniest Christmas always sit at the table and eat Memory Tracy Cox’s Third Grade of them. Santa didn’t know One time my elf, Snowfl ake, macaroni, pie, cake, banana It was on December 25,2016. Williams Township School A True Story About My Elf what to do. Mrs. Claus had an put some goldfi sh in my toilet. pudding, ice cream, ham, tur- I was 15 and it was the first On Christmas, my elf idea! You could go by foot, she Then she got a pretzel stick key and chicken. We make Christmas I actually enjoyed. What I Got for Christmas named Emma got string, tape said to Santa. So, Santa went and a fi shing line and tied a presents for my little baby It was the first Christmas I Last Christmas, I got a PS4 and toilet paper. Emma taped by foot and climbed into the goldfish to the fishing line. cousins. We make houses out actually spent time with my and I play a lot of games on the toilet paper and the string chimneys and gave the boys Then she sat on my toilet and of pillows and covers and we family, and enjoyed opening it. My mom and I play some to the ceiling fan. The next day, and girls presents. When he acted like she was fi shing. On make inside the house too. We presents with my family. My games on it and my dad and me, Breanna, Katie and Chloe was back, the reindeer were the same day my cousin’s elf make beds and couches. I love other Christmas’s weren’t all I play some games on it, too. woke up and saw it. So, we went healed! did the same thing, too. Then to eat inside the tent. Outside that good, I wasn’t allowed to My mom saw Santa and she to go wake up our mom and dad Hayden Lanier, 8 my cousin’s elf and my elf fell we ride horses down the road. see my family or anything. showed me. Now I play with my and they got angry with the elf. Karen Prince’s Third Grade in the toilet. It was so funny! We feed the horses, pigs, cows, Until last Christmas, we had PS4 and my elf, Mr. Jingle. That The elf taped herself up there. Williams Township School Brookelynn Benton, 8 hogs, dogs, cats and kittens, left the situation that we were was last Christmas and that Hailey Long, 8 Karen Prince’s Third Grade too. We make homemade cook- in and went to my uncle’s is what I got last Christmas. I Tracy Cox’s Third Grade The Worst Christmas Ever! Williams Township School ies and milk for Santa and his house. The next morning, it saw something in the sky and Williams Township School Once upon a time, there was beautiful reindeer, too. was Christmas time. First, we I think I saw a reindeer. Santa and three elves. One of My Elves! Shyianne Godwin, 8 got up and looked at our pres- Hunter Barnes, 10 Last Christmas the elves hated Christmas. The Once upon a time, my sis- Karen Prince’s Third Grade ents, then we got dressed to go Tracy Cox’s Third Grade Last Christmas, I got a lot other two elves loved Christ- ter, Brenna, had an Elsa doll. Williams Township School to Monroe, North Carolina to Williams Township School of stuffed animals. My favor- mas. Charley (who was Santa), Then, the next morning we go see my family. But it was ite one was my soft, little owl. needed the three elves. Charley saw Elsa standing up and my My Favorite Christmas a Christmas miracle, because What My Elf Did Well, it isn’t little. It’s just told one elf to get the sleigh. elves were in a huge block of Memory my mom met the love of her My elf has been so funny. I cute, really, really cute. Last He told the other two to get ice! It was weird. Momma had One Christmas night that life. I was so happy for her, will tell you some things about Christmas I got this cute dog the reindeer. When the fi rst elf to defrost my elves! I have three was Christmas eve, I couldn’t because she fi nally was happy. my elf. First, he got one of my and it had a button on it. When got the sleigh, he took out his elves, one for me, her name is sleep. Santa was out and his Well once we got there we ate a toys and was sitting on the self I pushed it, it did wheelies. It knife and cut the string. That Sneaky Susie! One for Riley, his reindeer. I knew that I had to lot, and opened up presents at with it. Next, my elf got a roll was really funny. Last Christ- meant that the other reindeer name is Mr. Mischief ! One for go to sleep but I did not want to. my aunt’s house. I got makeup, of toilet paper and strung it all mas, I was so happy! I got my couldn’t help drive the sleigh! Brenna, her name is Marshm- But, I went to sleep the minute clothes, and jewelry. I saw all over the kitchen. It was real first ever makeup and there When he came back with the ellow! They are all 3 brother after. The next day, I found pres- my cousins, and got to play and messy. Last, he got my shirt was some lipstick. I put it on sleigh, they put the reindeer on and sister. One year Riley’s ents on my couch. I unwrapped hang out with them. I also got and he put stuff all over it. really fast! the sleigh and took off elf said that he was going to them and had so much fun with to see my new baby cousin her Also, his name is Chris. I love Autumn Leslie, 8 and went to take the pres- bring somebody with him. He my toys. Sometimes I sit doing name is Marie. She looks just Chris so, so, so much. Tracy Cox’s Third Grade ents to the children of the wrote a note saying it was his a new lists the same day for the like her mom. Well that is my Eben Harrelson, 8 Williams Township School world. But, when they got so sister. Then, my elf brought next Christmas. favorite Christmas memory Tracy Cox’s Third Grade high, the reindeer came off Marshmellow with her. Baxton Sellers, 8 and there is more to come. Williams Township School A True Story About Christ- and Charley crashed into a Brissa Garrell, 8 Karen Prince’s Third Grade Katliyn Sutton, 15 mas tree! When he got up out of Karen Prince’s Third Grade Williams Township School Christy Fipps-Todd’s English I My Elf On Christmas eve, my cous- his seat, the sleigh fell out of Williams Township School Class The elf that came to my ins, Layla and Madison Ayers, the tree and Santa was stuck in My Favorite Christmas South Columbus High School house dumped sugar in the and I went to a big hill with the tree! The reindeer came to My Elf ’s Day Memory fl oor. I got a new shotgun. a lot of snow and then we help! When they came, Charley One time my elf got a nerf On December 25, 2006 was Drake Cribb, 9 brought out the sleds. Madison got on one of the reindeer and gun. When I got up he scared my favorite Christmas memo- Tracy Cox’s Third Grade rode down the hill fi rst. Then, brought Charley back to the me. He scared my brother too. ry because my mama was with Williams Township School Layla rode second. Then, I ground. We did not like it. It made us and she got me and my broth- rode last. Then, we decided to Briar Salling-Chestnut, 9 fall off the bed. The next day ers a lot of presents. She got me The Story of My Christmas have a race. The one who rode Karen Prince’s Third Grade he was on my binder. The third and my brothers clothes, shoes, One Christmas I got Jingle down the hill fi rst got to open Williams Township School day he got on my scissors. I did and toys. First we opened our from my sister, Shawna, and the fi rst present and the race not like it because he could clothes, then our shoes, and she came with a book and I began. I pushed myself so fast My Favorite Christmas have cut off his leg. I was sa- fi nally we opened most of our read it. Shawna put Jingle on down the hill. So fast, I could My favorite Christmas was tifsfi ed. toys. My fi rst toy was a Hannah the shelf. I also got my four- not stop pushing myself and last year. We got to open pres- Jaimon Fipps, 8 Montana doll that sings. wheeler from my parents. So then I won the race! I got to ents fi rst. Then we ate. My dog Karen Prince’s Third Grade I was very happy to spend that is the story of memory of open the fi rst present and then came in the house and my dog Williams Township School my Christmas with my family, Christmas. I started to tear the paper. Then ate some of my daddy’s plate! so me and my brothers went to Haven Norris, 9 I unwrapped it fast. Then, I saw He got mad at the dog. My My Favorite Christmas the table to eat breakfast then Tracy Cox’s Third Grade the present, it was a brand new daddy told him to get out of When I got my 7290R John Williams Township School shot gun! It was a 20 gauge shot the house. Deere toy tractor and my disc. gun. I was so surprised I almost Mason McPherson, 8 I love to play with it. I got an A Jolly Christmas passed out. My brother wished Karen Prince’s Third Grade electric scooter too. It goes real On Christmas Santa got be a he had it. I loved the new gift. Williams Township School fast. I love it. Santa brought me Merry Christmas BB gun. Also a TV and a Dango I said thank you and then that a ground blind to hunt with. It from Lightening McQueen. I also got was it. My Best Christmas Memo- is a good blind. a Mario and Yoshi racetrack Isaac Hinson, 8 ries Gavin Niven, 8 and racecar pack. One day at Tracy Cox’s Third Grade My favorite memory from Karen Prince’s Third Grade school he gave us an elf. Then Williams Township School Christmas is when I got a boat. Williams Township School we had a party. I rode it all the time. Another is Alex Fowler, 8 The Funny Story of Santa when I got a gun. I love to shoot My Crazy Elf Tracy Cox’s Third Grade Once upon a time when San- it. I also got a four-wheeler one One time my elf, Sparkle, Williams Township School ta was coming to town, he ate a time. I go mud bogging on it. I got chocolate chips and spelled We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season lot of cookies on the sleigh. So, got a golf cart one time. I ride out “Santa is watching you!” with friends and family. My Christmas Presents every house fi xed him cookies it around my neighborhood. Another time, she hung glit- Last year, when it was and milk. So, he ate more cook- These are the best Christmas tery string all in the laundry Whiteville, NC • 642-4598 Christmas I got a bike. It was ies and more cookies. The last memories of my life. room. When you walked in really pretty. I put some stick- house he went to had carrots ers on my bike. The stickers with a little not saying: Dear had princess faces on them. I Santa, we got carrots because got the stickers for Christmas you need to eat healthy stuff Have a Very too. I got a monster pencil because you eat cookies a lot. pouch but it wasn’t scary. It had When Santa got home Christ- googly eyes. I put a sticker on mas night, Mrs. Claus baked MerryChristmas & a it. The pencil pouch was pink. turkey, chicken, baked pota- I also got a toy pony. The pony toes, steak and string beans. came with a hairbrush because So, Santa did not hardly eat Happy New Year she has curly hair. anything because he was full Jennifer Perez-Valaquez, 8 of cookies and carrots but, he Tracy Cox’s Third Grade thought maybe I was supposed Williams Township School to give some to the reindeer. So, he worked on the next batch of My Christmas Memory presents for next year. Christmas day is my favor- Macelyn Cribb, 8 ite because I get lots of stuff Tracy Cox’s Third Grade for Christmas. I get to take Williams Township School the wrapping off in my living room and if I get done I can My Elf watch my brothers unwrap Once my elf took toilet their stuff. Then I can play paper and taped it to the door- with them. way so I could not get out. He We pray that God richly blesses you beyond measure Logan Spivey, 9 also poured fl our all over the this Christmas Season and in the upcoming New Year. Tracy Cox’s Third Grade kitchen. It took 1 hour to clean A very warm thank you for being so kind to us this year. Williams Township School it up. My mom was not happy We look forward to serving you again soon. about that. My elf does a lot The Bad Elf and Christmas of tricks. Once upon a time it was Wyatt Strickland, 9 CARDINAL FINANCE Christmas eve and Santa sent Karen Prince’s Third Grade out elves. One or more were Williams Township School bad. One kid got him and he COMPANY looked nice. But he was bad, My Favorite Christmas Debby, Nancy & George so bad he played tricks on the Memory 608 S. Madison St., Whiteville • 642-5174 family. Tricks like rottening One time my elf, Henry sat The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 31

Braydon Cartrette Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Williams Township

Aaron Smith, 11 Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Williams Township

Briley Connor, 10 Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Williams Township

Chandler Smith, 12 Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Williams Township

Nathan Godwin, 11 Challey Ward, 11 Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Williams Township Williams Township

Lacie Mercer, 10 Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Williams Township

Yana Nobles, 11 Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Nate Keisler, 11 Williams Township Lisa Cox’s 5th Grade Williams Township

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Jay Benton Kailee Ivey Finucan’s Class Finucan’s Class Columbus Charter School Columbus Charter School Ayden White Finucan’s Class Columbus Charter School

Olivia Hobbs Finucan’s Class Columbus Charter School Natalie Kern Finucan’s Class Columbus Charter School

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Juliana Petrones Porsha Smith Rankin’s Class Owen’s Class Carly Ward Columbus Charter School Gore’s Class Columbus Charter School Columbus Charter School What’s my favorite thing to do at Christmas time? Well, it would have to be guessing what The Reason For The Season I got for Christmas. I know that’s not what the holiday is about, but to be honest with you, that is what kids my age would say! I like the suspense of not knowing what I’m getting for Christmas. Just seeing all of For toto usus a sona ischild given, and isthe governmentborn, those well wrapped packages makes me happy. When I’m at school is when my mom and will be on his shoulders. And he will be dad wrap up my gifts. When I get home I dive under the called Wonderful Counselor, tree and find all the gifts with my name on them. I begin to inspect each package. First, I Mighty God, Everlasting Father, look to see if there are any rips in the paper. Next, I shake it Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 to see what I can hear. Then, I look to see how big it is and if it is heavy or light. Finally, I make a guess of what the pres- Coastal Tire ent could be. Christmas morning can’t get here fast enough so I can & Automotive see if I’m right. Hwy. 130, Whiteville • 642-3693 Jonas Anderson, 10 Aidan Trinidad Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade Harry Greene and Craig Best Young’s Class ELA Class Columbus Charter School Cerro Gordo Elementary The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 34

“OH NO!” Santa said, “The cookies she made. She covered drops, chocolate, and a little enjoyed hot chocolate with Santa thought. Santa told the sleigh is missing! Whatever the walls with candy cane and home in half the time!” The pinch of cinnamon. The old marshmallows in it in front of elves what had happened. They will I do?” All he saw was Christmas tree wallpaper. Her elves were so excited. woman was just about to take a the fi replace. The two became said, “We are sorry Santa, we his reindeer. Santa looked cookies would be covered with Finally, it was Christmas big bite when something amaz- best friends and agreed that should have been watching.” everywhere he could think. jelly beans, chocolate and all Eve and time to deliver the ing happened. The gingerbread having each other was the best Now Santa had to figure out He looked in the shed, in the sorts of other sweets! presents. Santa couldn’t wait woman came to life! Christmas present ever! a plan….but the elves were stables, in the toy making One day the old woman to use his new sleigh. He didn’t The gingerbread woman Dulce Lilyana Torres, 10 already working on it. room; but he couldn’t fi nd the decided to bake a gingerbread even need the reindeer this begged the old woman not to Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade The next day, the elves built sleigh anywhere. He thought woman. She wanted to be dif- year, so he gave them some eat her! Because she was a kind ELA something that looked like a of where he could have left it, ferent and not make a ginger- vacation time. old woman, she did not eat her. Cerro Gordo Elementary race car sleigh out of wood and but he couldn’t remember. At bread man. She gathered the When Santa arrived back The gingerbread woman told items from the station. They least he found the presents. ingredients from the cabinet home Mrs. Clause was waiting the old woman that she would On a cold day in the North woke Santa up and gave him Santa said, “This is horrible! and began mixing them into for him with a nice cup of hot do anything to repay her for her Pole, two days before Christ- some cookie fl avored cereal and How will I deliver the pres- a very large bowl. She shaped chocolate. For the rest of the kindness. It was then that the mas, Santa was getting ready milk. Santa ate his cereal with ents?” the dough into the fi gure of a night, Mr. and Mrs. Claus sat old woman revealed that she to deliver the presents for the extra milk. When he fi nished, Just then, Santa thought gingerbread woman and put next to a warm fi re drinking was lonely. So the gingerbread children. Santa Claus was tell- he went out to the station to see of calling his friend Austin her into the oven. While the hot chocolate and watching all woman decided that she would ing the elves to make extra toys what the elves were so excited who had a billion cars. Austin gingerbread was baking, the of the happy excited children live with the old woman, and for other kids, when all of a about. said, “Oh no! That’s terrible!” house smelled so-o-o good. all over the world enjoy their that is exactly what she did! sudden he heard a loud BANG! “What’s this?” Santa asked (About Santa’s situation.) San- The old woman couldn’t wait Christmas presents. This made the old woman ex- Santa went to see what had the elves. The elves told him ta said, “I know! That’s why I to eat it! Rebekah Ward, 11 tremely happy. made that noise. When he got that they had built him a new call you. I wanted to see if I Finally the oven alarm went Mary B. Waddell Fifth Grade The next day the old woman outside he found that his sleigh sleigh. It even had super speed could borrow a cars.” Austin off and it was time to eat the ELA and the gingerbread woman was missing! “How am I going turbo boost. “Oh wow!” said said, “Sure, come over and de- gingerbread woman with gum Cerro Gordo Elementary to deliver my presents now?” Santa, “I love it! Now I can get cide which one’s best.” When Santa got to Austin’s he looked and looked but all of the cars were either too small to hold all of the presents or did not have enough horse power. Austin told Santa that he had a van Merry Christmas that would be perfect, but it had not been delivered yet. Happy Holidays Santa and Austin waited and Merry waited, but it didn’t arrive. The next day Santa said, “Tomor- Season’s Greetings row is Christmas! What will I do?” At 11 a.m., a plane fl ew very Christmas low overhead. It needed to lighten its load or it was going to crash! The pilot opened the hatch, and a van came float- and a Happy New Year ing down with a parachute. It landed safely. Austin exclaimed to Santa, “That is my to the citizens of Columbus County van Santa!” Austin gave Santa the keys to the van and the two of them loaded it with gifts. At 7:00 pm, just in time, Santa fl ew off. Santa was amazed at Trent No matter how you say it, we hope the quick delivery of all the presents. Christmas that year your season is grand. was saved by a magical, super- Burroughs We truly appreciate your kind patronage. powered van! Austin McCleney, 10 Columbus County Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade Commissioner BALDWIN WOODS ELA Class Cerro Gordo Elementary District 5 PHARMACY

One day in the North Pole, Baldwin Woods • 642-8141 Saint Nick, AKA Santa Clause, was going to load up all of the toys in the sleigh. When he walked in to his sleigh garage, it wasn’t there! Santa was very worried because he had to deliver all of the presents by midnight. All of a sudden, Santa fainted! The elves didn’t know what to do. The head elf came and said, “We should use Santa’s own magic to make him better.” The elves found what the needed and it worked! As Santa awoke, it dawned on him what had happened to the sleigh. He said, “It was the Grinch! Let’s get him!” But just as they were going out the door, one elf said, “We don’t know where the Grinch is!” So, Santa Thanks for your business pulled out his magical world Merry Christmas map and discovered the Grinch We look forward to serve you in 2018 was hiding in the dump he lived Thanks for your business in. An hour later Santa and his elves were there. They knocked on his door. Grinch opened it Have a Safe & Happy 2017 and said, “What are you doing here?” Santa politely said, “May I come in?” To which the Grinch said, “Yes.” When Buy Local Santa entered Grinch’s dump, he saw that Grinch had been fi lling all of the empty present boxes with coal! Santa dumped all of the coal onto the fl oor and said, “Where is my sleigh, you old Grinch? I know you have it!” But Grinch did not want to tell Santa. That is when the elves took action. They grabbed Mark’s Seafood & Steak House Grinch and tied him up with McARTHUR SUPPLY S. Madison St., Whiteville • 641-9000 tinsel and tickled him until he INCORPORATED 117 Railroad Ave., Chadbourn 654-4615 told Santa where the sleigh was hidden. After several hours, Santa, the elves, and the sleigh were back at the North Pole. It was time to load it up with toys to deliver to good boys and girls. Finally, Santa was read to take off for the long night’s ride. All of the reindeer were ready to go. All except Rudolph. Where was he? The elves found him in the barn. He was sick and covered with hay. He a terrible Merry Christmas cough and cold. “How are we going to get the gifts delivered now?” asked a small elf. At the same time from that the elf was talking, the sound of a barking dog was at the door. Santa and the elves couldn’t believe it. It was a fl oating dog……and he could Car City talk! Santa said that they could use the dog like a reindeer to help fl y the sleigh. So fi nally, May the holidays bring you great joy! Santa was able to take off and deliver all of the presents by We wish for you a wonderful 2017. midnight and everyone had a great Christmas. Landon Haynes, 10 Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade “We sell ‘em for less, so you can drive more!” ELA Cerro Gordo Elementary Hwy. 701 South, Whiteville • 642-3196

Once upon a time on Christ- mas Eve, there was a cabin in carcitycentral.com the woods. An old woman that loved Christmas lived in the cabin. The woman always tend- ed to overdo Christmas with all of the decorating and all of the The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 35

William Register Braylen Steven Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Aaron Jaimes Adalyn Sasser Bentley Spurlock Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary

Brylee Graham Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary Eli Long Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary Chase Rhodes Tucker Stacy Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary

Kaleb Clark Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary Rylee McKeithan Greenley Jacobs Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Scotlyn Babson Old Dock Elementary Old Dock Elementary Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary

Kylee Rhea Kinzer Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Madelyn Garner Old Dock Elementary Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary

Rayden Ward Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Luke Evans Old Dock Elementary Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary

Thank you for your Merry Christmas! your business in 2017 Laura COllins Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary

Lily Watts Angela Ray’s Kindergarten Old Dock Elementary Riegelwood Shopping Center The News Reporter’s Christmas Memories 2017 – December 21, 2017 – Page 36

house made of candy where sleigh! He ran and got it, but he lived for the rest of his life! the reindeer were still missing! Just then, Santa heard a sound. Sierra Alford, 10 He ran toward it, and there Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade were his reindeer, but they ELA were stuck! Santa helped the Cerro Gordo Elementary reindeer get out of the woods, There are lots of things to and hooked them back to the do at Christmas. I enjoy be- sleigh. Santa, his sleigh, and ing in our Christmas play at his reindeer flew back to the church, playing in the snow North Pole. When he got home (if we have any), sleeping late he woke up the elves and let each morning when I can, see them know that he had found what Elfie does to our house the sleigh and reindeer. The each night, and opening my elves helped Santa load the gifts on Christmas morning. sleigh just in time to deliver My most favorite thing to do the packages. Santa was able is to help people who are less to do his job so that all of the Antonio Pineda fortunate than me. children in the world had a South Columbus High School Everywhere you go, you can merry Christmas! see people in need. This really Estefani Moreno-Vazquez, 11 isn’t just at Christmas, it’s all Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade he walked out, the reindeer So, the T-Rex got a Santa year long. You see people on ELA were there, but the sleigh was hat from an elf. The T-Rex’s the road with signs that say, Cerro Gordo Elementary missing! “Oh no!” cried Santa. nose started to glow red. Santa “Will work for food.” You see “What will we do?” This is a and T-Rex were then able to fly angel trees in stores with fami- Some of my favorite things job for A.J. the Elf. off and deliver all of the gifts lies’ names on them that need to do at Christmas time are A.J. the Elf met with Santa in time for Christmas! putting up the Christmas tree, food and clothing at Christmas. and decided on a plan to save Conner Meadows, 11 opening up my presents, and We are collecting new toys Christmas. The plan was to Mary B. Waddell’s Fourth Grade the one thing that should be at my church to help a local hook the reindeer to a creek ELA everyone’s favorite, spend- group bring joy to children in boat that A.J. and Santa used Cerro Gordo Elementary need. My family helps every- ing time with our family and on their fishing trips. Then one they can. This is special friends. they added landing gear and I have a few things that I This year I decided to sur- Laurie Roy for me because God has blessed some pipes to give it speed. like to do at Christmas time. I prise my mom by decorating The News Reporter me with a family that has food, The problem was solved. like to open my presents from clothes, and toys. I want to the Christmas tree by myself. The elves and A.J. loaded the Santa and my parents because share like I’ve been taught to I want to see of the new things I One of my favorite things do. It could be that my family got. I also like to see my family A long time ago there lived to do at Christmas time is is need one day. that I don’t get to see that often, an old lady and her grandchil- go to my church’s annual l I pray that we all help others especially my cousin Phillip. dren Sally and Billy. It was Christmas party. It is so much have a Merry Christmas. He likes to do boy stuff that I Christmas Eve and they were fun. First we eat bar-be-que Talan Strickland, 10 can’t do with my sisters, Sadie baking cookies with cookie cut- chicken. It is so good your Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade and Adriana. ters. There was a gingerbread taste buds will water. After ELA The first thing that my fam- man, a star, a Christmas tree, we eat we play games. We usu- Cerro Gordo Elementary ily does on Christmas morning and a snowman cutter. The ally play musical chairs and is get up early to open presents. three of them baked lots and “Who’s my secret Santa?” Finally, the day came…..it While my sisters and I play lots of cookies with the cut- The next thing we do is was Christmas. Santa was go- with our new toys, my mom ters, but they only made one worship. They make it fun so ing to put the bags in the sleigh, and dad make the best pan- gingerbread man. you aren’t sitting there doing but the sleigh was missing! cakes, sausage and eggs with The grandmother told Sally nothing. You will be moving Santa went to ask his helpers if gravy. After breakfast we all and Billy to watch the cookies and having fun. Sometimes someone had come and taken get dressed and wait for the while they baked, but after when I get tired I go to sleep in the sleigh. The helpers told rest of the family to come. a few minutes, they both fell the fellowship hall, but I don’t Santa that no one had come. Later that night, my family asleep at the table. The grand- sleep long. They then asked him why he and I sit down to dinner. Then mother carried Sally and Billy Finally, we pray and go was asking. Santa then told we exchange presents with the to bed and quickly forgot about outside. The adults let the them that the sleigh was miss- Emma Hocks rest of my family. While we the cookies in the oven. Soon kids play outside for at least ing. Santa continued to look C. Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class open presents frim each other, the grandmother fell asleep an hour! It is so much fun it for the sleigh. Later Santa Central Middle School we listen to Christmas music. too. At the moment the cook- makes me want to scream! went back and told the elves Christmas day is by far my ies began to burn, the ginger- that the reindeer were also favorite part of the Christmas So, my favorite thing to do is I decorated the tree with dif- creek boat with all of the gifts. bread man came to life! He missing! All of the elves imme- season. Christmas time is to go spend ferent kinds of ornaments and The hooked the reindeer up to opened the door to come out! diately went to help Santa look time at my church. of course Christmas lights. the creek boat. Finally, Santa Cameron Pariseau, 11 While opening the oven door, for the sleigh and reindeer. No Alice Christian Spivey, 11 The decoration colors I used was set for his Christmas Eve Mary B. Waddell’s Fourth ELA the gingerbread man said, “It one could find them. All of Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade were royal blue and silver with trip. Cerro Gordo Elementary surely is hot in there! I don’t the elves and Santa were very ELA glitter. Boy, was my mom sur- A.J. Hardin, 9 know why they keep the heat tired. The elves went to sleep, Cerro Gordo Elementary prised when she walked into Mary B. Waddell’s Fourth Grade up so much!” but not Santa. He was too wor- The gingerbread man didn’t the living room and saw the ELA My favorite thing about ried about December 24 coming know what to do, so he just ran. tree. My mom added clipped Cerro Gordo Elementary Christmas is my family’s an- up because that is when the flowers to the tree to make it A dog smelled a cookie and saw presents had to be delivered. nual Christmas party. I enjoy look better. One Christmas Eve Santa’s that the gingerbread man was So Santa did not sleep. Instead, this because I like the food, Boy, oh boy!!! On Christ- sleigh went missing. The elves running. The dog chased after he continued to search for his games, and seeing family I mas day when those presents looked for the sleigh all day him. The gingerbread man ran sleigh and reindeer. Santa don’t get to see a lot. Christmas are under the tree, I just know long. They looked all over for into the woods and hid. walked and walked until he is a great time to celebrate with that half of them are for me. it, but could not find it. After some time had passed, came to a forest. When he the ones we love. Santa, my parents, and my Since the elves couldn’t the gingerbread man built a entered the forest, he saw his We do so much fun stuff at Nana always make sure I have locate the sleigh, they found our Christmas party. The food a smile on my face. Opening Santa a magical flying T-Rex! is really good. My favorite is gifts we always do as a fam- At first Santa was scared, the soup. My grandma makes Regina Bravo ily because my mom loves to then he learned that the T-Rex Cetrena Spaulding’s 8th Grade the best potato soup. I love her take pictures. I’m only nine just wanted to help him save soup because I love potatoes. Art Class and opening gifts is quite fine Christmas. Central Middle School After we eat, we play games. with me. The games we play are really Christmas won’t be that fun fun. One of the games we play without my family and friends. is called Chinese Christmas. I am glad they are here with Chinese Christmas is a game me on this happy day. I’m glad where you take presents from that they are coming with me people. We always laugh a lot to my Christmas party. I love Happy Holidays playing it. Finally, I get to talk my family so much. They are to my family I don’t get to see always in my heart. from AVERY SKINS often. We always laugh and Brionna Bennett, 9 “We aim to please” have fun. It is always sad when Mary B. Waddell’s Fourth Grade they go home. ELA owned & operated by I love our Christmas party. Cerro Gordo Elementary Paul & Kathy Avery It is my favorite thing about 910-770-2178 Christmas. We have such a Ashlyn Burney It was Christmas Eve and Whiteville, NC great time. I hope everyone C. Spaulding’s 8th Grade Art Class Santa was about to leave the loves it as much as I do. Central Middle School North Pole to deliver all the Addisyn Williamson, 10 children’s presents. When Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade ELA Cerro Gordo Elementary

I’m Rudolph and I lead the reindeer because I have a red nose. Christmas is always fun, but it is also tough and I am going to tell you why. Whenever I wake up, and I am not even half awake, Santa wants the other reindeer and me to do flight Happy Holidays & practice! After flight practice, all the elves are going crazy because someone ALWAYS Merry Christmas forgets a few presents! Because of that the elves have to rush to get everything done! After From Your Local the toys are finally loaded in the bag, Santa comes out of his room in his red suit. He State Farm Agency Standing left to right: Wesley Varnadore, Autumn Britt, hops aboard the sleigh while the elves get the bag loaded it. Deborah Mcpherson, Hannah Hickman, Elaine Jones. It is time for all of us reindeer Sitting left to right: Debra McGougan, Mary Williamson, Jane Bullard. to pull out and head to all of the children’s houses around Call Us For All Your Insurance Needs! the world. It’s not that bad because we get to rest at every 1011 N. J.K. Powell Blvd., Whiteville stop while Santa is putting the presents under Christmas trees. After a long night, we 642-3753 finally return to the North Pole where we reindeer take a long No One Takes Care of You Like A State Farm Agent. nap. When we wake up, there Mary Bullard Williamson are presents for us too! Ryder Haynes, 11 Mary B. Waddell’s Fifth Grade ELA Cerro Gordo Elementary