Just after midnight on December 3, 1984, a deadly cloud of gas escaped from a Union Carbide pesticide plant in central India, killing thousands and injuring hundreds of thousands more in what became one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.

The leak of methyl isocyanate, a highly toxic chemical, spread quickly through the densely populated neighborhoods surrounding the plant. Residents awoke choking, blinded, and gasping for air. Many died before they could flee.

By morning, the city was overwhelmed. Hospitals filled beyond capacity, and confusion reigned as authorities struggled to understand what had happened. Estimates of the death toll range from 3,000 in the first days to more than 15,000 over time, with lingering health effects that persist decades later.

The Bhopal disaster exposed failures in industrial safety and corporate accountability. Investigations revealed poor maintenance, inadequate training, and the absence of emergency planning.

Union Carbide and its successor, Dow Chemical, faced years of legal battles and international criticism. Survivors continue to seek justice and environmental cleanup.

The tragedy also prompted reforms in industrial regulation and environmental oversight worldwide.

December 3 remains a solemn reminder of the consequences of negligence — and the need to balance technological progress with human safety. As the world reflects on advancements in medicine and communication achieved on the same date — including the first successful heart transplant in 1967 — Bhopal stands as a cautionary tale etched into the world’s collective memory.

This Christmas season, step back in time and step into the greatest story ever told! First United Methodist Church of Alexandria warmly invites you and your family to join us in bringing the nativity story to life on Sunday, December 7, with our Live Nativity Drive-Through at 2727 Jackson Street.

You can do more than just attend this event!  We’re calling on community members of all ages to be a part of this joyful, heartwarming experience by becoming costumed characters in our Live Nativity. Whether you’ve ever dreamed of being an angel, a shepherd, a Roman centurion, a townsperson, or even a member of the holy family, here’s your chance to play a special part — no speaking required! This is a beautiful way to share in the spirit of Christmas, connect with neighbors, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Event Details:

• Rehearsal & Costume Fitting: 5:30 PM (spot time)
• Drive-Through Live Nativity: 6 PM–8 PM

Why Participate?

• Step into a non-speaking role and help tell the timeless nativity story
• Engage deeply with this meaningful Christmas tradition
• Enjoy a delicious complimentary chili dinner with an all-the-fixin’s bar
• Have a blast in fellowship with other community members and church family

This event is more than a pageant—it’s a festive celebration of faith and community spirit. Families, friends, and neighbors driving through will experience the wonder of Christmas as you embody the very people who witnessed the birth of Jesus.

Make this part of your family’s holiday plans and invite those you know to join you — or to simply drive through and enjoy the enchanting scenes.

Ready to join the Live Nativity cast? 

Contact the First UMC of Alexandria church office at (318) 443-5696 to sign up or for more details.

We can’t wait to share this magical evening with you!

Rev Kennon, Senior Pastor

The CPKC Holiday Train will make a brief stop in Pineville on December 3, offering a 30-minute outdoor concert as part of its annual seasonal tour. The event is scheduled from 5-5:30 p.m., with the train arriving at approximately 4:45 p.m. and departing at 5:45 p.m.

Unlike previous years, visitors will not be able to explore inside the train. Instead, the 2025 program features a live performance by Dylan Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts on a stage that will be set up between the tracks and First Street. Officials encourage attendees to plan ahead for parking and access, as the stage will not be located on the LCU side of the tracks.

The event is free and open to the public. Info is available online: cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain

BOM Bank is thrilled to support Grind Elite Athletics! Grind Elite Athletics, based in southwest Louisiana, is dedicated to helping athletes grow by focusing on skill development, teamwork, and personal goals. We’re proud to stand behind their mission of shaping athletes both on and off the field. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Anna Lee and Ryann Turner.

Funeral services for Mrs. Patricia Faye Scott Goodman will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 5, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mrs. Goodman, 78, of Pollock, entered eternal rest on Monday, December 1, 2025, at The Oaks Care Center, Pineville, LA.

Patricia was a devoted homemaker who carried a deep love for the Lord in everything she did. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She enjoyed coloring and crafting. A true Elvis Presley enthusiast, she found joy in all things Elvis. You could always find her flipping through Elvis magazines, watching Elvis movies, or listening to his music and happily singing along. Patricia lovingly referred to Elvis as “HER MAN” and her “HUNKA BURNING LOVE.” She was the heart of her family, known for her sweet smile, kind spirit, and big hugs she freely gave. One of her favorite things in life was sitting down with a hot cup of coffee and a good snack. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Donna Evans; her parents, Morrow and Ruth Scott; and two sisters, Dottie Fox and Rose DeMarco.

Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include two sons, Joey Kimberlin of Alexandria, and David Evans of Alexandria; one daughter, Tracy Brydels of Alexandria; two grandsons, Christopher Kimberlin and Ricky Bennett; three granddaughters, Chelsa Purcell, Tonya McLean, and Emily Purcell; two great grandchildren, Gage Kimberlin and Ezra McLean; and one sister, Barbara Gore of Pollock.

A time of visitation will be held in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Kaleb Lasyone, Travis Clark, Kevin Lasyone, Chris Kimberlin, Kyler Zeigler, and Slade Sinclair. Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Kimberlin, David Miller, Emile Gashette, Lawrence Clark, and James D. Gore.

Audrey Lane Nichols Roberts, 73, of Boyce, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, LA.

Audrey was born June 18, 1952, in Alexandria, and was raised in Boyce, Louisiana.

Audrey, affectionately known as “Nana,” will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved to spend time visiting with family and friends. She was always ready for a trip into town. She loved to decorate for Christmas and talk about the many softball games she had enjoyed. Audrey Lane will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ardie Roberts; her parents, Thomas Jefferson Nichols, Jr. and Allie Mae Nichols; her brothers and sisters, Ella Ruth Nichols Lee (Buddie Ray), Clint Nichols, Clyde Nichols (Olgia), Margie Elaine Nichols Hawn (Willie), Trent Nichols (Elaine), Marilou Nichols Sheffield (Johnny), Effie Nichols Newsome, Gary Dale Nichols (Diane), Bessie Mae Nichols Howell, and Paul Nichols; and her grandson, Zachary Zane Paul Roberts.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Jason L. Morgan (Melissa), Robert T. Morgan (Leslie), Sarah L. Roberts (John), and Stacy C. Littleton (Dustan); three siblings, Murrel Nichols (Jean), Amanda Bernel Nichols Warner (Robert), and Kendrith Ray Nichols (Onnie); fifteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

By JIM BUTLER

Rest easy School Board employees, the check’s not in the mail but it’s coming soon.

The board at its meeting today will be asked to approve payment of the one-time salary supplement approved by the Legislature this year.

Certified employees will receive $2,000; support personnel $1,000 in a check to be issued December 12. Those are gross amounts.

Speaking of dates, it is likely schools will open for students next August on Friday the seventh with teachers reporting on Tuesday the 4th.

Those dates are on Superintendent Jeff Powell’s proposed 2026-27 calendar to be discussed today and perhaps voted on.

The “perhaps” is cautionary due to the uncertainty over a traditional holiday for the parish fair, a preference favored by the board in the current calendar.

The proposed calendar has Fall Break penciled in for Thursday-Friday October 15-16. Whether the Fair is that week or a week earlier could not be determined Sunday.

As proposed, Fall Break would be followed on Monday October 19 by Teacher Professional Development Day, meaning no classes for students.

A recent Facebook post by a friend and former advisor for the Louisiana School for Math, Sciences and the Arts in Natchitoches caught my attention for its eloquence and poignant memories.

Donald Barker of Natchitoches, a former director of student services at Northwestern State University, was an academic and placement counselor when LSMSA opened its doors to high school juniors on the former Natchitoches Central High School campus in September of 1983. It was the first school of its kind in the country. The first graduating class in 1985 was 40 years ago.

“Just over 42 years ago,” Barker, an LSU graduate, wrote in his post, “my professional life was dramatically changed. A group of 207 students from all over Louisiana came to Natchitoches to participate in an experimental form of education.”

The brainchild of Dr. Robert Alost, then the Dean of Education at Northwestern State University, and state Rep. Jimmy Long (D-Natchitoches), LSMSA was modeled after other schools in the country like the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Alost visited some 15 schools that either served solely the academically gifted or solely the artistically talented. As the first director of the school, Alost wanted to accommodate both. Thanks, in large part to Long and the state legislature, the idea for the school became a reality.

As a state-funded high school, tuition is free, but families are responsible for a fee to cover living expenses like housing and meals. Financial assistance is available, and inability to pay does not prevent qualified students from attending. 

Barker wrote how those first students in this pioneering project experienced “a wide range of emotions,” including fear, anxiety and anger.

“One by one, some of them went home,” he wrote, noting he’s not sure why the vast majority chose to stay.

“I would guess that some of them could not go home,” he wrote. “But for most of them, slowly, but surely, they became convinced that they were being offered an extraordinary opportunity to learn as fast as they possibly could.”

The classes – with a maximum 15 students per class – were held on the first floor of the girl’s dorm (with a boy’s dorm a short distance away) on the NSU campus. A 12^th grade was added the second year, and students eventually came as early as age 13, in some cases, and from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

“And it wasn’t just learning in the classroom; spending 16 or more hours a day with other students that wanted something more from their high school education,” wrote Barker. Those students, he said, wanted to do something special with their lives, and they encouraged and supported one another.

“They were competing against themselves to develop goals, pursue those goals, and achieve those goals, one class, one test, one day at a time.”

From the initial class of 207, a little more than 170 earned diplomas.

“But they accomplished so much more,” Barker noted. “They began to believe in themselves as learners.”

Remember, this was a school designed to “foster critical thinking and creativity.”

That first class, Barker said, “established for those who followed a climate for learning, both academically and socially, that continues with current director, Dr. Steve Horton, and the 42^nd class scheduled to graduate in the spring.

“It was the greatest honor of my professional life,” wrote Barker, “to be there to witness the graduation of the classes of 1985, 1986 and 1987. Every one of them, persistent and courageous.”

There are so many success stories from the school, he told me Monday.

Too many for this space. But one example is Stephen Voss, who grew up on the West Bank in New Orleans — a first-generation college student, he got his PhD from Harvard and is now a professor of political science at the University of Kentucky.

Another is Marc Caplan of Alexandria, who got his PhD from New York University in 2003 and has served at numerous universities here and abroad and is currently the Brownstone Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth.

And there is a woman who, before attending LSMSA, was a high school dropout. She told Barker her life plan before attending the school was to leave home, find a boyfriend and get pregnant. She went on to get her PhD.

“This type of education in Louisiana has made a huge difference,” said Barker. “It’s a beautiful concept.

“I think,” he added, “it’s one of the greatest education stories of this era in Louisiana history. It’s just amazing what that idea has become.”

Pineville High School recognized the dedication and achievements of its November Rebels of the Month. The program highlights students who demonstrate hard work and commitment both inside and outside the classroom.

This month’s honorees include:
Senior: Parker M.
Junior: Audrey E.
Sophomore: Katie O.
Freshman: Abbi F.

Rapides Regional Medical Center recently hosted the 10th annual Students Exploring Career Opportunities this week, an event organized by The Orchard Foundation and supported by The Rapides Foundation.

The event welcomed 10th-grade students from across Central Louisiana, giving them the chance to learn about the diverse range of careers available in healthcare. Attendees and hospital staff alike enjoyed the opportunity to connect, share insights, and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The City of Pineville will host its world-renowned Christmas Parade on Friday, December 12, beginning at 7 p.m. The parade will start near the flag pole on Main Street and conclude at the entrance of Louisiana Christian University (LCU).

Participants and spectators can expect a festive route filled with holiday spirit, including marching units with unique performances. The Pineville Police Department offered a playful warning to mark calendars, noting the parade features participants “spinning in circles” along the route, powered, perhaps, by their fancy boots.

Residents are encouraged to attend and join in the city’s holiday celebration.

Central Louisiana successfully navigated the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating economic resilience and sustained growth across critical sectors. Key annual and year-to-date indicators showed strength, particularly in consumer spending, labor market tightening, and housing activity.

Labor market conditions have shown substantial improvement, signaling a healthier employment environment, although data for September is still not available. The unemployment rate in the Alexandria MSA declined to 4.0% in August, falling below the statewide rate of 4.3%. This decline suggests improving labor market conditions supported by continued job growth. Initial unemployment claims across Louisiana also declined in Q3 compared to Q2, reflecting a steady and resilient regional employment environment.

“The third quarter data confirms central Louisiana’s underlying strength,” said Randall Dupont, author of the economic dashboard. “Although visibility is somewhat limited because of the government shutdown, we saw an improved labor market in July and August and critical year-over-year growth in consumer activity that underscores the region’s economic stability and long-term potential.”

Consumer spending exhibited notable annual momentum throughout the region. Pineville showed robust consumer strength, with receipts 8% higher year-over-year and 5% above 2024 year-to-date totals. Rapides Parish maintained strong overall stability, with revenue 4% above 2024 year-to-date. Natchitoches collections were also 6% higher than Q3 2024 and 7% higher year-to-date, confirming local spending remains well above prior-year levels.

Online retail activity demonstrated consistent consumer demand, with Remote Sellers Tax collections increasing 2% in Q3 and rising 18% year-to-date. Consumer demand for durable goods also remains solid, highlighted by vehicle sales tax activity.

In the housing market, activity surged in key areas. A significant increase of nearly 20% in home sales from Q2 to Q3 was seen in the Alexandria MSA. Market strength was also evident in Natchitoches, where the average Days on the Market dropped sharply from 69 days to 47 days, and in Fort Polk South (Leesville area), where home sales were up 13% from Q2 to Q3.

Tourism also posted impressive year-over-year results. Natchitoches Parish led the region, showing continued strength with a 36% year-over-year gain in hotel occupancy tax collections, bringing its year-to-date collections up 18%. Rapides Parish posted strong annual growth as well, achieving 19% year-over-year growth and 19% year-to-date gains.

New business formation is also contributing to the positive outlook. Quarterly business applications across Louisiana were up 4% year-over-year for Q3. New businesses established in Rapides Parish were up 6.2% from a year ago, with year-to-date new business growth up 1.5% over 2024.

“Central Louisiana’s ability to generate significant annual and year-to-date growth in retail sales, housing, and tourism shows that the region is capitalizing on long-term opportunities,” Dupont added.

The Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard, a service of the LSUA College of Business, helps leaders monitor regional economic trends. View the full 3rd Quarter 2025 issue at http://www.lsua.edu/dashboard.

Written by Randall Dupont, Ph.D. | LSUA College of Business
Image credit – LSUA Strategic Communications

The game of battledore is centuries older than football, baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, and just about every sport we watch or participate in. Over 2,000 years ago, people played battledore in China, Japan, India, Siam, and Greece, but its origin remains a mystery. Although popular for millennia, battledore was not included in the Olympic games until 1992 when it made its debut at the summer games in Barcelona, Spain. Its inclusion in the Olympics went unnoticed by most of the world’s population. Many of those who did notice argued that it should not be considered a sport, especially not an Olympic sport.

The game of battledore went largely unchanged for most of its existence. Beginning in 1857, British soldiers who had been sent to India to put down an Indian rebellion against British rule learned the game of battledore and played it to combat boredom. Players used wooden paddles similar to modern ping pong paddles to hit the projectile as many times as possible without it hitting the ground. The projectile was most likely a rock or nut to begin with, but the speed at which it could travel made it dangerous and its small size made it hard to see. To slow it down, players shaped a piece of cork in an oval similar in size and shape to the half of a walnut shell. To further decrease the projectile’s speed and to make it easier to see, players eventually rimmed the oval with delicate feathers from two to three inches in length. The soldiers enhanced the game of battledore by marking out boundary lines that players had to keep the projectile within because they probably got tired of having to search for projectiles hit by overzealous players. They also added a rope to divide the play area in half and hit the projectile back and forth over the rope. Much like the game of “hot potato,” players wanted to avoid having the projectile on their side of the rope. One newspaper reported that “the pleasure of the game is derived from the puzzling antics of the [projectile], whose flight is as dependable as that of a drunken-darning needle.” “Because of the illusive vagaries in flight,” the article included, “the players display the agility of the grasshopper, hummingbird, and leaping kangaroo.”

When those British soldiers in India returned home, they brought the game battledore with them. Battledore became popular, especially with the upper classes. The most notable change to battledore happened when aristocrats began playing it at the country estate of Henry Somerset, 9th Duke of Beaufort, in Gloucestershire, England. It was there that the game of battledore had its most noticeable change. Most of us have never heard of the game of battledore, but now you will remember that the modern version of the game was named after the Duke of Beaufort’s country house, Badminton House.

Sources:

1. The Daily Reporter (White Plaines, New York), February 9, 1937, p.2.

2. “The Origins of Badminton,” Badminton New Zealand, accessed November 23, 2025, https://badminton.org.nz/courses/national-accredited-line-judge/lessons/badminton-basics/topic/what-is-badminton/.

3. “Badminton – an overview and history of the sport,” BBC.com, accessed November 23, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zs89dmn/revision/1.

December 16, 1969 – November 25, 2025

Funeral services celebrating the life of Janel Pace Enlow will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Wilda Baptist Church, Wilda Community, with the Revs. Joey Rudisill and Shane Russell officiating. Interment will follow in Hemphill Star Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of services in the church.

Mrs. Enlow, age 55 of Hot Wells, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in Hot Wells, surrounded by her loving family.

Janel was an awesome homemaker who loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a friend when you needed someone to listen to your problems and would always offer ways to help you find ways to solve your problem, all the while praying for you. She loved children, regaurdless of skin color. She loved going to garage sales, working in the yard, reading her bible, Holidays with her family and watching television, especially American Idol and all the dancing shows.

Janel is preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Bobbie Lee Parker, two sisters, Sharon Pace and Tina Croom and two brothers, Donnie Pace and Jackie Pace.

She is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Dallas Enlow of Hot Wells, one daughter, Amber Lee Perez (Arsenio) of Montana and one son, John E. Ahearn (Connie) of Hot Wells. One sister, Vickie Dryden (Steven) of Deville and her brother, Lavon Pace (Renee) of Fifth Ward. Janel is also survived by six grandchildren.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be; John Ahearn, Dallas Enlow, Johnathan Pace, Simeon Hill, Perry Cloud and Jacob Collins.

All arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Robbie Dauzat, Director.

July 4, 1956 – November 29, 2025

Funeral services celebrating the life of Marlon Littleton will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Crossroads New Life Tabernacle, Deville, with the Rev. Robert Tarver officiating. Interment will follow in the Littleton Family Cemetery, Deville.

Visitation will begin at 6:00PM on Tuesday, until time of services on Wednesday, in the church.

Mr. Littleton, age 69 of Deville, went to be in the arms of the Lord on November 29, 2025 after a long battle with health conditions. He passed in Christus Cabrini Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Marlon was a beloved husband, son, father, “Pops” and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories that will forever be remembered. “Bud” never met a stranger and would always freely share hunting stories from over the years. He loved to hunt big bucks and catch fish, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. He loved all, but his fourteen great grand-babies were the light of his eyes. The love he had for his wife was unmeasurable.

He knew no matter what, when he hollered, “Hey baby” or “Mama”, she would be at his side.

Marlon’s days on earth were cut way too short, but he gained his wings to be in the arms of his “Pop” and “Big D” again. However the lasting impact of his presence will continue to shine on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, as his family will keep his memory alive.

“Bud” is preceded in death by his father Kirby, brother Donald, and his father in law, Emeric Deville.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of 51 years, Benita D. Littleton, as well as 3 children, Erica Franks (Roger), Temica Littleton and Goose. Seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn Deville (Kaleb), Laken Gibson (Tyler), Sean Gibson (Katelyn), Hope Thacker (Daniel), Kelynn Dunn (Jerett), Calip Littleton (Lacey) and Hailey Littleton (Brad). A loving mother, Derothy, two brothers, Albert Littleton (Judy) and Gary Littleton (Sandy). A sister in law, Linda Littleton as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be; “Goose”, Calip Littleton, Kaleb Deville, Sean Gibson, Tyler Turnage, Roger Franks, Shelton Deville and Phillip Zimmerman.

Honorary pallbearers will be; Jerett Dunn, Daniel Locklear, Konner Deville, Gary Littleton and Vance Gardner.

A Police Jury committee today will take up the question of carbon capture sequestration, this time with advance public notice.

The Personnel, Elections, Insurance & Legal Committee is asked to endorse a resolution opposing CCS in the parish.

CCS has created a groundswell of opposition since concerted effort to reverse its course began at the grassroots level.

The full jury at its November meeting heard from several persons opposing it.

The matter was not on the meeting’s posted agenda. A motion to take up the topic was added as the last item of business by President Craig Smith.

Perhaps coincidentally, a number of CCS opponents were on hand while no one asked for three minutes to address the CCS merits.

Smith is listed as sponsor of the proposed resolution on today’s committee posting.

The jury is being asked to join those of several other parishes opposing CCS.

Core issues for opponents are environmental concerns and property rights.

Proponents discount those and say CCS is a door to sustainable prosperity.

The gulf between the parties reached a point in mid-October that convinced Governor Jeff Landry to declare a moratorium on any new CCS applications until officials could meet and complete a number of requirements in his executive order. 

By LAFE JONES

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the season I want to protect with both hands. I celebrate the “in between.”

When we say it’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” we are not talking about only two days, but rather the middle space right here.

You might feel it too—that soft shift after Thanksgiving, when the leftovers are still in the fridge and life quietly turns toward Christmas. Slowly bringing out the decorations, one dusty box at a time from the attic, and having memories of those days after Thanksgiving featuring strings of big, chunky lights on the living room floor and Sears and JCPenney catalogs, pages worn and circled in ink. It’s finally okay to listen to Christmas music and drink eggnog.

Nothing is urgent yet. We aren’t late for anything. We aren’t behind. We were just getting ready. Somewhere along the way, we turned this in-between time into a race: buying more, doing more, being more, hosting more, and posting more.

So here’s my gentle reminder about this wonderful in-between time. Let’s savor this stretch of weeks on purpose. Linger over your coffee a few extra minutes by the window. Drive the long way home just to look at your town’s Christmas lights—someone put a lot of work into installing those for your family’s enjoyment. Put on an old record or playlist that sounds a little like your childhood living room. Look over those Christmas cards daily and say a little prayer for the family that remembered you and yours. Take a quiet moment while shopping and celebrate the crowds and hustle as part of the merry part of the holiday. Take evening walks as the sun sets to enjoy neighborhood decorations and breathe in that cool air we look forward to all year. Write one real note in a Christmas card instead of just signing your name. Let the house be a little messy and the list be a little undone.

This in-between time was never meant to be a blur we rush through. It’s the quiet hallway between two big rooms—and sometimes that hallway holds the warmest memories. So this year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, let’s not just get through it. Let’s slow down, take a breath, and savor it—the way we did when Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Andy Williams were still playing in the background and we put tinsel on a flocked real tree. Happy In Between to All.

Photo: Courtesy of Time-Life Music Collection