>> Solutions start in the South: Rooted right here in the South, the Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, SELC takes on the toughest challenges to protect our air, water, land, wildlife, and communities. The landmark work it does in court, in government, and in local areas—removing coal ash waste from riverbanks, expanding access to solar power, returning red wolves to the wild, and more—impacts the entire country, shaping and driving environmental policies far beyond our region. Learn about the SELC’s important work here.

We recently asked, “Fill in the blank: It’s not the holiday season until ______” Here are some of your responses:

…the ceramic gingerbread house leaves the attic and finds its place atop the runner on the kitchen island. The wonder returns. —Jere B.

…my bride starts playing her Hawaiian Christmas songs. —Doug D.

…we light the first Advent candle. —Kathryn M.

…they put the leg lamp from A Christmas Story in the window of our neighborhood bar. —Steve C.

…Christmas cards are written Thanksgiving day and mailed the next day. Southern tradition in our house. —Deborah S.

…I have made and delivered a pan full of big-as-your-head, yeast-raised, ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls. I got the recipe from the cafeteria lady in junior high school. Thank you, Mrs. Washington. —Henriette H.

…we watch White Christmas. I love Bing! —Emerson L. 

…the eggnog hits the shelf. —Franklin R.