Birmingham’s Merriest Holiday Event: Christmas Village Festival

October 3, 2025October 2, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

For generations of families in Birmingham, the official holiday kick off to Christmas merriment is a visit to the Christmas Village Festival. The popular consumer shopping event and local tradition returns to The BJCC on November 5-9, 2025, with more than 700 local, regional and national vendors showcasing unique holiday items.

Now in its 44^th year, this year’s edition transforms The BJCC into a festive wonderland filled with decorations and brimming with holiday spirit. Guests can expect to find a wide range of holiday gifts, décor, gourmet food and handcrafted items, from personalized ornaments and jewelry to one-of-a-kind children’s toys and games. The long-running Alabama tradition starts the countdown to December 25 clock, opening exactly 50 days before Christmas. “The Christmas Village Festival is one of Birmingham’s most beloved holiday traditions. The magic of the holiday season really comes alive so guests can immerse themselves and escape into a festive respite of joy and cheer, with hundreds of holiday ideas for decorating, gifting – everything one would need to get into the spirit of the season,” said Kelsey Jackson, Show Manager. To help guests shop for those perfect gifts, Christmas Village Festival includes Merry Money. Guests can register for $25 in Merry Money that can be used at the show like cash toward purchases at any show vendor. One winner will be drawn every hour during show hours. Merry Money is presented by Champion Windows. In addition to Merry Money, other show highlights include:

Click here to purchase tickets to Christmas Village Festival.
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. One of the season’s biggest celebrities appears at the show daily to hear children’s holiday wishes and to capture classic Christmas memories with photos. Santa Claus appears daily during Christmas Village Festival hours. Upgraded photo packages are available for a fee with Backroad Pix.
Christmas Village Exclusives. Here’s a show hack for festive and frugal shoppers: many of the vendors extend exclusive show offers for guests. Pre-plan your day at the show and cross items off the guest list by checking out deals here.
Party Season Prep. With both Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, the show provides entertaining inspiration and décor items to deck those halls and ‘scape those tables in advance of visiting family and friends.
Early Bird Entry. Advance Early Bird tickets are available, allowing admission one hour before doors open to the public. These tickets can be purchased online. Buy tickets online and save $2. Use promo code BCM2. Get a head start on your list and bank the extra hour for enjoying the holiday spirit.
Commemorative Shopping Tote. Guests can purchase a limited edition “Winter Wonderland” themed shopping bag, only available at the event for $5 (cash only).

General adult admission (ages 13+) purchased online are $17, children (ages 6-12) are $5 and children ages five and under are free. Box office general adult admission is $19, children (ages 6-12) are $6 and children ages five and under are free. Show hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. For more information on the show, visit www.christmasvillagefestival.com. †

October 1, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

Fashion for You

As we enter the fall season, many of us find ourselves staring into our closets wondering, “What should I wear?” Fashion expert and owner of Bash Boutique in Hoover, Amber Noone, is here to share some tips to help us out.

#1 Celebrate your authenticity.

Wear what makes you feel happy and confident. Style should always bring joy first—trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of season.

#2 Step out of your comfort zone—but stay true to yourself.

Wide-leg jeans are especially popular this fall, often paired with sneakers or boots. But if you don’t love the fit, that’s perfectly fine. A bootcut or straight-leg denim might flatter your shape better. The key is to wear what feels good. Sometimes, trying something new can bring unexpected joy, but never feel pressured to follow a trend just because it’s “in.”

#3 Add a touch of leopard print.

Leopard is everywhere this year. You don’t need a head-to-toe leopard outfit—just a little can make a big impact. Try leopard pants with a solid-colored top, or a leopard blouse with simple, neutral bottoms. A small pop of print is often all you need to elevate your look.

#4 Embrace mesh for fall layering.

Mesh is one of this season’s favorite fabrics. Lightweight and versatile, it adds color and texture without bulk. Try layering a mesh top over a bralette or colored tank for interest, or use it as a layering piece beneath a solid-colored jacket.

Beyond trends, remember that the goal of fashion is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Amber invites you to visit Bash Boutique in Hoover, where she and her team offer personalized service to help you find looks that work for your wardrobe, body type, and lifestyle. Learn more at www.bashboutique.net or stop by Bash Boutique, 2539 John Hawkins Parkway Suite 105, Hoover, AL 35244.

Game Day Ready!

Don’t forget about game days—Bash Boutique also carries stylish options to help you step up your tailgate or stadium look. †

September 26, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

Walt and Hannah in front of ferris wheel

The Great Outdoors

It’s late October in Andalusia. The sun sets over the Midway’s bright lights. The hot afternoon begins to cool, and the County Fair comes alive. Hand in hand, my wife Hannah and I cross the parking lot. Our daughter Banks and two of her girlfriends prance ahead. “Let’s ride the Ferris Wheel,” Hannah suggests. I study her face. She’s serious. “It’s the sunset,” she smiles. “What’s more romantic?” I groan because heights are not my thing. As we moved towards the Ferris Wheel line, I remembered the last time we ventured to ride the Ferris Wheel at the fair.

Our daughter Bay was about five. “Let’s ride the Ferris Wheel, Daddy!” I sheepishly ignored her. She begged even more. I tried to think of excuses. I even suggested “mama will go with you” — for I knew she wasn’t afraid—but before I could escape, Bay announced to her, “Daddy said we’re riding the Ferris Wheel next!” And that was that. My palms grew sweaty. My heartbeat quickened. To me, eternal torment might just be a Ferris Wheel. Bay tugged my hand and Hannah asked, “How can you resist that smile, Daddy?” Hannah was right. Fear or not, I wanted to ride with her. The cart creaked as we boarded, the cold steel floor moaning under our weight. I whispered a prayer. Even a few feet off the ground, nausea crept in. After what seemed like hours, the ride began. I tried focusing on Bay’s glowing face or Hannah’s steady hand. But each creak of the Wheel of Death reminded me of bolts snapping. “Daddy, look!” Bay leaned nearly over the rail, pointing at the skyline. My chest tightened. But then I glimpsed downtown Andalusia glowing in the fading light. For a second, fear gave way to beauty. Still, I slid to the floor, crossing my legs around the pole. Others noticed. A dad above us hollered good-natured jokes at my expense. Soon the whole crowd laughed. So did I—though I was still terrified. On our third trip around, my nerves were shot. Near the bottom, I shouted to the operator. “I’ll give you twenty bucks if you stop this ride and let me off!” Suddenly, like Chuck Norris in a kung fu flick, the operator sprang to action. The wheel screeched to a halt. I stumbled out—poorer, humiliated, but grateful to stand on solid ground. Hannah, Bay, and their friends rode on, laughing into the night.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). For me, fear certainly rides high on the Ferris Wheel. But sometimes, it rides higher in life. Sometimes it shakes us, embarrasses us, or even costs us twenty bucks to get off the ride. But God doesn’t measure us by how steady we are at every height—He cares that we keep showing up for the ones we love, and that we turn to Him when our knees get weak. Trust in Him steadies every cart, no matter how high it swings.

-Walt Merrell is a Christian Outdoorsman who writes of his adventures with his family, with the hope that others might be inspired and encouraged to embrace God’s tapestry, otherwise known as the great outdoors, as a means of finding Common Ground. You can follow him at Shepherding Outdoors on FB, YT and IG and at shepherdingoutdoors.com.

September 26, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

Encouraging Word

Colossians 3:17 says in whatever you do, in word or deed, do it as unto the Lord. To me, that means to do it with all your heart! With all your heart means to feel or believe it very strongly. It also suggests being all in, not holding anything back, and being committed. This should describe our relationship with God. As people of God, we should love God, seek God, trust God, and serve God with all our hearts.

Love God. In Mark 12:30, the greatest commandment says to love God with all your heart. This kind of love (agape) is unselfish, unconditional, unwavering, unfailing, and unending. Revelation 2:4 says that Jesus should be our (ITALIC TO END QUOTE) “first love.” Are you in love with Jesus?

Seek God. Jeremiah 29:13 says that you will find God when you seek Him with all your heart. Seek means to search, look for, attempt to find, desire to obtain, and pursue. Matthew 6:33 says make it a priority to seek God and His will. And Matthew 7:7-8 says to make it a practice. Continue to ask, seek, and knock. Are you seeking God’s will for your life?

Trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Trust means to believe in, rely on, have confidence in, and place your faith in. We are to trust God and not self; to yield to God and follow His path. Trust God no matter what!

Serve God. Joshua 22:5 says you are to serve God with all your heart. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua tells the people that he and his house will always serve the Lord. Serve means to perform duties or services for another and to put others needs before your own. 1 Samuel 12:24 says, “only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.” Let’s follow Jesus example by being a servant.

With all your heart, love God, seek God, trust God, and serve God.

-Tony Cooper

Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission

www.jimmiehalemission.com

September 26, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

When my daughter, Lonna, was in school, her friends talked her into being in the junior high beauty pageant with them. It would be fun, right? She came home and talked her dad and me into it. Then, I realized that I had to come up with a plan. I didn’t know a lot about beauty pageants. So, I put my feelers out to friends and family seeking advice on the best way to procure a dress, makeup, and hair for my lovely little lady.

One friend said, “Just make her look like Cinderella.” Another said, “There is a lady over in the far east side of Alabama who rents gorgeous dresses and advises the girls on pageant walking, makeup, and hair. She even does that for contestants for the Miss Alabama pageants and the Miss America pageants. Appointments are hard to come by, so call early. And you can’t be late! She won’t see anyone who arrives late. You will lose your appointment.” Well, that sounded like a plan to me, so I called and made an appointment. Now, this was in the days when we all had cell phones, but not iPhones or GPS maps. We still had to call the business and get the address and the driving directions as well as check out the map that was folded in the glovebox.

The esteemed pageant lady herself gave me directions over the phone on the best way to get to her from where we lived. And again, I was cautioned to be on time for the appointment. It was going to take me at least two hours to get there from my house. And it kept going through my mind, I can’t be late, or all this will be for naught. So, my daughter and I embarked on the day of our appointment with happiness. We knew we would be on time because we left even earlier than needed.

All was going well. We were having a good drive and ate some fast food as we headed east. We drove through the country and through small towns, just enjoying the scenery. Then, about two-thirds of the way there, we were coming up on this beautiful little town named Winfield. Traffic slowed down considerably. People, mules, and wagons were everywhere. As my daughter and I were trying to make it through that town, we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of a parade of mules! With mules in front of us and behind us, we realized we were in the parade. We were going slow, plodding along at a mule’s pace, so that all the spectators lining the sides of the town could see these fine mules. And time was just ticking away. This momma was watching the clock and getting nervous. All the side roads were blocked, so there was nothing to do but be in the parade with my beautiful daughter in my big green Suburban… with the mules.

Heavenly day…we were gonna miss that appointment! Out of desperation, I pulled out my cell phone and put in a call to the pageant place. The esteemed lady herself answered the phone. The conversation went like: “Hello…I’m bringing my daughter to her appointment…using the directions you gave us. And…ma’am…I’m looking at the back side of a mule!” She laughed and asked, “Are you in Winfield?” “Yes, ma’am, we are.” And she laughed and laughed and said, “Oh, I forgot all about Mule Day! I should have routed you another way. Mule Day happens every year.” I said, “We are going to get there as soon as I can get us out of this mule parade. We may be a little late. Will you still see us?” She laughed some more and said, “Yes, just come on and let me know as soon as you get here.” The appointment went well. My daughter looked lovely in that dress with her hair done up just as directed. It was all worth it- the mules, the long drive, the tensions over being late – my daughter had a memorable time with her friends in the beauty pageant, and she won Miss Hayden Junior High. Enjoy Lonna’s favorite childhood recipe, Fruit Pizza.

-Danna Standridge, Author of Happiness is Homemade Y’all!For speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations, email [email protected]. Join her in the kitchen on Facebook @DannaSwannStandridge and YouTube @dannastandridge8749.

Lonna’s Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 block cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
Sliced fruit: strawberries, kiwi, peaches, bananas, grapes

Glaze:

1 cup orange juice
½ cup sugar
1 Tablespoon corn starch

Instructions:

Pat dough onto a lightly greased pizza pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely. Combine cream cheese with powdered sugar, blending well. Spread over cookie. Arrange fruit over cream cheese.

Glaze. In a saucepan combine orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil and cook and stir till thickened. Cool then pour over fruit. Refrigerate till time to serve. Enjoy!

October 16, 2025September 26, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

Are you longing for your home’s outdoor spaces to bring you joy instead of stress? Willow Cove Designs is a local landscape design company that can help you tackle your landscape needs with precision and expertise. Whether you are looking to create a backyard haven for entertainment or even wondering what plants would thrive in your backyard, Willow Cove Designs can walk you through the process in three simple steps: schedule a consultation for design, receive and finalize the design and bring the design to life.

Backyard 3 — To learn more about refreshing your space, click here.

How it Works. Michelle Hicks, owner of Willow Cove Designs, explains that the process to transforming a space is simple. Once a time is scheduled to view the property, Hicks will walk around the space and check the soil, lighting, and more. “Then we just talk about what their likes and dislikes are and what they’re looking to achieve,” Hicks explains. She takes pictures and measurements and places everything into a program. “I design an image for you so you can visualize it,” Hicks explains adding that this includes 3-D real photos. She realizes that picking the correct plants for a space can be daunting so that is why she often works directly with landscape installers. “I can come out with a landscaper and the homeowner, and I can place plants for them and show them where they go.” Hicks also adds the overall design plan she creates can be implemented in stages to meet a homeowner’s budgeting criteria.

Willow Cove Designs offers a variety of services including foundational design, garden bed design, front porch refresh, and hardscaping design. Hicks loves that her job allows her to spend most of her day in God’s creation. “I basically take what God’s given us and make it work for where we’re planted,” she says. Another fun service offered by Willow Cove Designs that is perfect for football season is Haven Game Day Technology. Your lights can automatically cheer with you in your team’s colors when they score! Want more visuals of how this works? Watch this video.

If you’d like to learn more about Willow Cove Designs and how they can help you transform your space while keeping the process simple and fun, visit www.willowcovedesigns.com call 205-427-7283, or email [email protected]. †

Watch the video below to learn more about Willow Cove Designs and how Michelle can help you transform your space.

October 9, 2025September 26, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Counseling And Therapy For Cou 308670712

Healthy Living

For nearly 30 years, Adam Calvert Ed.S, LPC-S, CSAT-S has helped individuals and families restore hope and find healing through counseling. Calvert came to the Magic City to attend UAB. During that time, he met his wife Mandy, and the couple decided to plant roots in Birmingham. Calvert began his career as a play therapist until he felt a tug to pursue another certification. “The certification in sexual addiction recovery was really taking hold. So I studied that, and I went to the training and got my certification,” Calvert shares, adding that at that time, Alabama only had four people certified in this area. “So, I transitioned from working with children to working with guys in families dealing with sexual brokenness and sexual addiction.”

Calvert + Associates offers a wide range of counseling services. Their office is located at 402 Office Park Drive Suite 290, Mountain Brook, AL, 35223.

Calvert + Associates. About 10 years ago, Calvert opened his own practice- Calvert + Associates. “Originally, it was just supposed to be Mandy and me running it. She manages the practice and is now a life coach,” Calvert says. However, over the years, the practice has grown and currently has 11 team members. With this powerful team, Calvert believes they are ready to help every member of the family. For example, he can work with an individual experiencing deep trauma, while another team member can work with the spouse of the individual. The Calvert + Associates team also has play therapists who are equipped to work with children and other therapists who work with older teens and young adults. “So now, if someone calls, we can reach every member of the family,” Calvert says. He is passionate about making counseling a collaborative process. His team meets weekly for supervision and to review cases. He explains that this team collaboration provides counseling that targets the needs of each person and leads to healthier individuals and families.

Counseling Services. Calvert + Associates offers counseling services in the following areas: anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, sexual brokenness, sexual/pornography addiction, partner betrayal trauma, career coaching, brainspotting, anger management, stress management, codependency, attachment disorder, and play therapy for children ages three to ten. To learn more, call or text (205)918-6161 or visit www.calvertandassociates.com. †

Watch the video below to hear directly from Adam Calvert Ed.S, LPC-S, CSAT-S and learn more about Calvert + Associates.

September 26, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

Some of the most powerful testimonies come not from words, but from lives transformed, and that includes the lives of companion animals. Meet Talia, a radiant reminder of what love can do.

Once tethered to a heavy chain, Talia spent the early days of her life confined. No freedom to explore. No warm laps to curl into. Just the weight of metal links and lonely days. But through the grace of rescue, Talia was freed from her past. She emerged with a spirit not scarred by suffering but healed by hope. Today, this beautiful, petite, three-year-old lives each moment like a love letter to her second chance.

Talia hugs her foster dad — Talia loves to receive and give affection. She is seen here hugging her foster dad.

Talia is fondly called a Velcro dog. She adores affection and returns it tenfold. Hug her, and she’ll hug you back tighter. Love her, and she’ll never let go. Her perfect day? Having a basket full of squeaky toys, a sunny backyard to run free, and a tasty bone to savor in peace. Add a doggie friend to the mix, and Talia’s joy multiplies. She’s crate and house trained, and even polite with cats. Her journey is more than a rescue story. It’s a parable of redemption. As Scripture reminds us in Psalm 107:14 (CSB), “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their chains apart.” Talia is ready to share cherished “never let go” moments and bless a family with all that she is!

Two by Two is a faith based, no kill rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, stray, and distressed animals. Saving animal lives for more than 20 years, Two by Two operates out of Birmingham, Ala., and has coordinated the rescue and adoption of cats, dogs, horses, and even a few pot-bellied pigs. Two by Two has placed dogs in almost forty states and even a few abroad! To learn more about Two by Two visit www.twobytworescue.com. †

September 25, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Graduation mortar board cap on 84802865

Money Matters

Sending your child to college is an exciting milestone filled with new experiences and opportunities for them to grow. For many families, it’s also the first time your student will be managing their own money independently. With a few simple strategies, you can guide them to take control of their finances and avoid common pitfalls that trip up many college students.

1. Start with a budget. Creating a budget might sound boring, but it’s instrumental in helping your student take control of their finances. Many people use the 50/30/20 rule, which calls for putting 50% of income toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings and other financial goals. Encourage them to track their spending and subtract anything they pay out from their total monthly funds. This helps them know exactly how much money they have at any given time. There are plenty of free apps to help monitor expenses, or they can simply use a notebook to write down what they spend each day.

2. Guide them toward smart credit habits. That first credit card in college can be both exciting and scary for parents. The key is helping students understand how to use credit wisely by paying off their balance on time every month. This helps build a positive credit history that will help them qualify for better rates on car loans, apartments and eventually a home mortgage. Make sure your student understands that credit cards aren’t free money. It takes discipline to charge only what they can afford to pay off completely when the bill arrives.

3. Pay attention to everyday expenses. College life doesn’t have to break the bank. Remind your child to take advantage of student discounts available at restaurants, clothing and grocery stores and entertainment venues. Help them set spending limits for discretionary categories like entertainment, dining out and personal expenses. Here’s where that budget can help set clear limits to prevent overspending. It’s easier to say no to that expensive coffee or designer clothing when they know it would put them over their weekly limit.

4. Think about the future. While it might seem early to worry about life after college, making smart financial moves now can benefit them later. If your student has loans, consider encouraging them to make small payments while they’re still in school, even though they’re not required to do so. This reduces the amount of interest that builds up over time. Encourage an emergency fund, even if they can only save $25 per week.

Teaching your child to manage money in college isn’t just about helping them survive until graduation. The habits they develop now will shape their financial future for decades to come. By guiding them to start with a simple budget, use credit responsibly and make thoughtful spending choices, you’re helping set the stage for success in college and beyond.

– Laci P Graul, CRPS™

Financial Advisor

205-573-0228

www.edwardjones.com

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

October 1, 2025September 25, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Multiracial Family With Specia 273564034

Legal Matters

Planning for long-term care or supporting a loved one with a disability can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating complex rules about Medicaid, Social Security, and asset protection. Many Alabama families believe they must “spend down” everything they own before qualifying for government benefits, but that’s not the whole story. Pooled special needs trusts, are powerful tools that can protect benefits, preserve dignity, and offer peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

The Problem: Myths and Misconceptions

One of the biggest barriers families face is misinformation. Many assume trusts are only for the wealthy, or that once someone enters a nursing facility, all assets must be exhausted before Medicaid can help. Others worry that leaving an inheritance to a child with disabilities will disqualify them from benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. These myths create fear and often lead families to delay planning until they’re in crisis. Without preplanning, families may watch savings dwindle, care options narrow, and benefits slip away.

The Solution: Special Needs Trusts

Trusts, specifically First-Party and Third-Party Special Needs Trusts, help bridge the gap between assets and eligibility. Both protect eligibility for government benefits while allowing funds to be used for approved expenses. Pooled trusts, like those offered by Alabama Family Trust (AFT), take this a step further by combining resources for expanded investment options while maintaining separate accounts for for each beneficiary. With pooled trusts, even families of modest means can access professional trust management. At AFT, trusts can be established for as little as $1,500, making this option accessible to low-income families as well as those with significant assets to protect.

What Trusts Can Do

Funds in a special needs trust can pay for a wide range of quality-of-life expenses that government benefits don’t cover. For individuals in nursing facilities, that might include clothes, hobby supplies, a private room, or additional caregivers. For other individuals with disabilities, trusts can cover transportation, education, therapies, recreation, or technology that fosters independence. At the same time, Medicaid and SSI remain in place to cover essentials like medical care and housing. It’s a win-win that allows families to preserve stability without sacrificing dignity.

Why Choose Alabama Family Trust

Founded as a nonprofit, Alabama Family Trust has an established history with the Ala. Medicaid Agency and the Social Security Administration. AFT serves families in all 67 counties, offering professional trustee services that include bill payment, fund management, compliance oversight, and monthly reporting. “Families often come to us believing they have to lose everything before qualifying for help,” says Lesley Byars, Executive Director of Alabama Family Trust. “Our role is to provide options, protect benefits, and give families the peace of mind that their loved one will be cared for, both now and in the future.”

Take the First Step

Whether you are a parent planning for a child with disabilities, an adult concerned about aging parents, or an individual looking ahead to your own needs, a trust may be the key to securing your family’s future. To learn more, visit www.alabamafamilytrust.com or call 205-883-8333 to schedule a consultation.

Watch the video below to learn more about the mission of Alabama Family Trust from Executive Director Lesley Byars.

Birmingham’s Merriest Holiday Event: Christmas Village Festival

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