Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Happy New Year’s Eve!

Debbie Roney Smith on
Janus, Roman god

Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! Do you know why January 1st is the beginning of a new calendar year? The answer can be traced back to ancient Rome around the eighth century B.C. In those ancient times, the calendar was only 10 months long with the beginning of the year falling on the vernal equinox. However, the calendar fell out of sync with the sun over many centuries.

So in 46 B.C., Julius Caesar gathered prominent astronomers and mathematicians to solve the problem. From their efforts came the Julian calendar, a precursor to the modern Gregorian calendar most of the world uses today. The Julian calendar established January 1st as the first day of the year. This choice was made to honor the month’s namesake Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, who had two faces that allowed him to look towards the past and future simultaneously. While there were likely many reasons for choosing January 1st, this is the only reason that can be supported with historical references: 

Falling (Pine) Needles Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is a national day created to remind families to recycle their Christmas trees rather than burning them or tossing them on the curb. One way is to search Earth911’s recycling solution to see where you can recycle a tree near you. You can also be sure to make use of each part of the tree. Strip the pine needles to use the wood after allowing it to thoroughly dry out; you can use the wood for fires, carving, and more crafts. Even the pine needles themselves can be utilized! Collect the needles, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water, and gently rub the needles to wash off dust and other debris. You can then use the needles to make sprite-flavored natural soda or tea! Visit Ms Shi & Mr He’s pine needle recipe page here for details, warnings, and recipes! 

Salty Oaks: White Lie New Year Party

Debbie Roney Smith on

Salty Oak Brewing Co. is bringing a fun New Year’s tradition to their December 31st party: a little White Lie Party! Starting at 6pm, join the Salty Oak family for beer, a free champagne toast at midnight, food from KB Cooks (the chicken man), and fun! The White Lie Party Rules are as follows:

  • All attendees must wear a white shirt with a white life written on it with a permanent marker.
  • A white lie is a small lie/confession; something along the lines of “I’m always on time.” White lies SHOULD NOT be serious lies or deceptions that would insult or hurt others.
  • Take turns telling the stories behind your lies. The more embarrassing or amusing, the better!
  • Have fun, be kind, and get to know your friends/part attendees better. 

    New Year’s Eve at Wakulla Springs

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Ring in the New Year with pizzaz at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs this Saturday! From 5:30 PM – 12 AM, The Lodge will be hosting an exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be live music by Hot Tamale and Garnet & Soul. Additionally, a delectable menu will be offered including firecracker shrimp, filet au poivre, chocolate lava cake, and more!

    The price is $70 per person (plus tax & gratuities) to enjoy the entirety of the event including the full menu. However, there is also a $25 option that includes the music, ambiance, and small bites. Call 855-632-4559 to RSVP today! Visit the Facebook event page here for more information. 

    Countdown Downtown

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Looking for some family fun to ring in the new year? Come to Cascades Park Amphitheater for Countdown Downtown! Starting at 6pm on December 31st, the festival has TWO separate fireworks shows. The 7pm showing is perfect for families with young children. The 9:45pm show is perfect for all ages. There will also be live music, food trucks, activities, a photo booth, and more. Beverages are allowed but please note the event is BYOB. The event is FREE to everyone but bring cash/card for the food trucks and activities. Visit the event website HERE for more information. 

    30A Farmers’ Market

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    The last 30A Farmers’ Market will be next Thursday, December 29th. Come by Rosemary Beach for an end-of-the-year holiday market. It will run from 9 am to 1 pm. Please note that the market will be CLOSED on December 25th and January 1st. Follow the Facebook market page here for more information on 30A in 2023. 

    Peppermint Bark Recipe

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Looking for a kid-friendly Christmas treat to make this holiday? Try Peppermint Bark! It contains only three ingredients and is fun to prepare for little hands.

    Ingredients include:

    • 16 oz. white OR dark chocolate, chopped
    • 4 drops of food-grade peppermint oil
    • 3/4 c. crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

    Instructions:

    1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan with a few inches of simmering water over low heat (do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water). Gently melt the chocolate: stir occasionally, only a few lumps should remain by the end, about 3 minutes.
    3. Remove from the heat and stir until completely smooth. Slowly stir in the peppermint oil. 
    4. Pour the chocolate mix onto the lined baking sheet. Smooth it into an even layer with a spatula. 
    5. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. You can buy pre-crushed peppermint OR allow your kids to crush handfuls to their hearts’ content. 
    6. Let the baking sheet set at room temperature or in the refrigerator (1-2 hours). 
    7. Once the bark is completely hardened, break it into pieces and serve or pack. 

    Candy Land Christmas

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Come out to the Watersound Town Center Farmers Market this Friday, December 23rd for Candy Land Christmas! From 5:30-7:30 PM, there will be a plethora of family-friendly holiday activities for everyone to enjoy while completing last-minute holiday shopping. There will be a Santa meet and greet, face painting, train rides, a bounce house, slides, hot cocoa, food trucks, live music, and more! The market itself will feature clothing, jewelry, gifts, and more. Be sure to bring cash and card for purchasing. 

     

    A Hanukkah Celebration!

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Join James Weldon Johnson Park, Gili’s Kitchen, Catering and Bakery, and the Jacksonville Jewish Center for their annual celebration of Hanukkah and its related traditions. Totally Lit! A Hanukkah Celebration will be hosted in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. There will be live music, storytelling, crafts, dreidel games, traditional baked treats like sufganiyot, and the lighting of the Memorah. Beer and kosher wine will be available for adults. Totally Lit! will be held on December 20th at James Weldon Johnson Park from 4:30-7:30pm. The Menorah lighting ceremony will be at approximately 6:30pm. 

    The event is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit the Facebook event page HERE for more information.