By Bob Tagert

The holidays have rolled around. Hard to believe I am penning my last publishers notes of the 2025. This is another milestone for us, as we started the Old Town Crier in January of 1988, thus now celebrating our 38th year. Seems like yesterday but I sure look a lot older. Hopefully, like a fine wine, we have improved with age.

In keeping with the theme, we did just that and embarked on our Road Trip adventure by walking right out our front door. Old Town is a very special place to be during the holidays and it is nice to call it home.

Outlining this issue:

Holiday Features – Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Probably the latter since there are way more than one holiday that is celebrated during the season. Lani Gering highlights a few in this space. Joining in in this section is one of our honorary owners and a huge part of the soul of the Old Town Crier, Frances Killpatrick, as she gives us her take on Christmas Calories – A Holiday Fantasy. I actually believe every word of her missive. Folks, this woman can write! Love ya Frances!

A Bit of History – Sarah Becker looks at the real-world relationship of politics, religion and personalities as they relate to the holidays with a Q & A with another local historian, Brack Stovall. It is an interesting read for this point in time.

Arts and Entertainment – Gallery Beat columnist Lenny Campello heads to warm Miami to report on Aqua Art Miami…it is part of the Annual Art Basel Week Miami that is one of Lenny’s favorite shows. Ron Powers takes us back to one of the most popular songs in 1968, Mony Mony by Tommie James and the Shondells as he highlights the Billy Idol remake of the 80’s in High Notes. Be sure to check out Mark Edelman’s OnStage Old Town column for a list of live theater performances in the DMV. We are looking forward to the opening night of our very own Little Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” on the 5^th.

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge & Beyond – We look at what the holiday spirit brings to St. Mary’s County, Maryland in From the Bay. St. Mary’s and specifically the town of Leonardtown, have pulled together some amazing holiday events this year. Taking the hour or so drive is worth the effort to escape the big city celebrations and be in a more rural setting if that appeals to you. In light of our Blue Ridge columnist experiencing health issues, we have published a favorite Christmas Story that she submitted for a past issue in To the Blue Ridge. It is a heartwarming piece. Heading way south and beyond, Guy Britton looks at island escapes on St. Barth for New Year’s celebrations in Caribbean Connection. It has been way too long since I have been in the islands and if the funds were there, I would be booking my flight now to celebrate “island style”.

Dining and Drinking – In keeping with the “Home for the Holidays” theme, we chose Hard Times Café as our eatery in Dining Out. It has been around for 45 years and still hits the mark for good, hearty winter eats. A good place to take a break from holiday shopping. Tim Long tells us about the history of holiday brews and the inevitable side affects they may have in Let’s Get Crafty. Also check out Tim’s recommended whiskey and cigar of the month. Wine guru Doug Fabbioli looks at the Virginia wine industry as winter approaches and the farm activities become less stressful in Exploring VA Wine with Matthew Fitzsimmons chiming in with the state of the Commonwealth’s sparkling wine making its mark in the industry in Grapevine.

Beauty & Health – Lauren Bowling outlines “5 Holiday Skin Sins” in First Blush and Nicole Flanagan reminds us to keep moving as the temps drop and take it outside on cold days and simply walk in Fitness. Ryan Unverzagt provides us with some gift suggestions that are sure to please anyone who wants to get or keep fit in From the Trainer.

Rounding out the issue, Captain Steve Chaconas gives some good ideas on holiday shopping for the angler in your life in Go Fish as Lori Welch Brown laments on Christmases past, some good and some not so good and what she has in store for holiday season 2025 in Open Space!

On a sad note, we are sorry to have to say goodbye to Mystic Bar and Grill and our favorite spot in National Harbor, Bond 45. Mystic fought the good fight with great food and beverage and we wish Matt, Ralph and crew the best. Bond 45’s closing on New Year’s Eve is going to be very hard to take. You can read more about it in Lani Gering’s National Harbor.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to personally wish each of you a very Merry Christmas (or Happy Holiday) with hopes of good health and good fortune as we push toward the new year. I can’t thank you enough for reading the Old Town Crier and maybe sharing it with your family and friends. See you in 2026!