Santa Letters deadline is Friday, Dec. 4.
Deadline for the Christmas ads for the Christmas/Santa Letter Edition 12-23-26 is Friday, Dec. 11. These are special editions that must be sent in early to the printers.
Christmas (regular paper not Santa Letters) 12-23-26 and New Year’s Edition 12-30-26 is Friday, Dec. 17. We have to submit both papers early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays.

Click on the Santa Letter form to download a colorable Santa letter.

PARA Celebrates 50th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade
— The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) invites the West Alabama community to celebrate the 50th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade on Monday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Tuscaloosa. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 5:30pm prior to the parade.
For five decades, the parade has brought together community groups, churches, schools, businesses, and families to celebrate the holiday spirit and community pride that define West Alabama.
PARA’s involvement in the parade dates to 1976, when it took over coordination from the West Alabama Jaycees. Legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant served as the parade’s first Grand Marshal, establishing a tradition of recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community. “Reaching 50 years of the West Alabama Christmas Parade is a tremendous milestone for PARA and our community,” said Brian Davis CEO of PARA “For generations, this parade has brought families, neighbors, businesses, and community organizations together to celebrate the holiday season. We look forward to making this anniversary year especially meaningful as we honor the tradition and the people who have helped make it possible.”
Grand Marshal Nominations Open Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals whose leadership, service, and accomplishments have made a difference in West Alabama. Nominations for the 50th anniversary parade are due Friday, November 6, 2026.
Submit nominations online: https://tinyurl.com/WestAlabamaChristmasParade26 Parade Registration Now Open Community organizations, churches, schools, businesses, marching bands, and other groups are invited to participate in this milestone celebration. The deadline to register is Monday, November 16, 2026. Registration details and parade information are available here: West Alabama Christmas Parade | Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority Parade Route Unchanged Despite recent sidewalk improvements along Greensboro Avenue, the parade route will remain unchanged. PARA looks forward to welcoming participants and spectators to downtown Tuscaloosa for this special anniversary celebration.
For parade information, sponsorship, and questions about Grand Marshal nominations, contact Amber Pope at apope@tcpara.org

Bring a Toys for Tots Toy for Cookies, Cocoa, and Pictures with Santa
Mark your calendars for one of our favorite traditions! Join us at Fire Station 1, 1501 Greensboro Ave., Tuscaloosa, on Sat., Dec. 5th from 10-12 for cookies, cocoa, and pictures with Santa! Bring the kids, enjoy some sweet treats, meet your local firefighters, and get your picture taken with Santa! Admission to the event is free, but we kindly request that you bring a toy to donate to our Toys for Tots collection bins. We look forward to seeing you on Dec. 5th!

TIPS TO AVOID OVERINDULGING ON HOLIDAY TREATS — One of the many pastimes of the holiday season is coming together with family and friends to share a meal with all kinds of savory foods and treats. Dr. Maria Azrad, assistant professor in the department of human nutrition and hospitality management at UA, has several healthy eating tips to keep in mind as you prepare to feast on your favorite foods. 

Poinsettias: Caring for the Christmas Flower

by Justin Miller

Poinsettias reign supreme as the main flowers of the holiday season. Also known as the Christmas flower, these beautiful plants offer a variety of colors that compliment any holiday decorations. During Christmas, red and green poinsettias are the most common. However, there are a wide variety of other colors, including pink, white, orange, marbled, pale green and cream. To keep poinsettias thriving through the holidays, there are few things people must do.
Chip East, an Alabama Extension commercial horticulture regional agent, said to have a vibrant poinsettia through the season, the first step is choosing the correct plant.
“When picking a poinsettia, choose one with colorful bracts but one that the blooms have not opened,” East said.
Bracts are the colorful leaves most people associate with the plant. The actual poinsettia flower is the small green or yellow flower in the center of the bracts. Plants should appear full, with dark green leaves attached from the colored bracts to almost the base of the plant. The leaves should be completely free of disease and insects.
Care and Maintenance
Poinsettias do not tolerate high moisture or shaded areas. After purchasing, place the poinsettia in a window seal when possible. They can be moved to areas for display when needed. They thrive in bright sunlight with moderate temperatures no higher than 70 degrees. However, if the sunlight is too direct, the bracts will discolor.
“If a decorative wrap is around the pot, remove the plant from the wrap before watering,” East said. “Allow the water to drain before placing the plant back in the wrap.”
The average lifespan of an attractive poinsettia is about two to four weeks, or with exceptional care, six to eight weeks. However, it is actually a perennial plant that could live for many years. If someone wants to attempt to reflower and maintain their poinsettia, it will need more attention than in the Christmas season.
“Getting a plant to reflower is difficult for the home grower but can be done,” East said. “Spending time to reflower a poinsettia would make a home grower appreciate the nursery that originally grew it.”
For more information on caring for Christmas poinsettias, visit www.aces.edu or contact your county Extension office.