Tagged: Christmas

The North Carolina Bankers Association says the number of bank robberies is down slightly since last year. The group met with law enforcement agencies yesterday to discuss how to reduce the crime rate. The association says there have been 113 robberies this year compared to 129 in 2011. Associate counsel Dawn Thompson says the group keeps track of crime trends to help law enforcement cut down on robberies.

The iconic Frank Capra film has captured the hearts and minds of people around the world. It’s the quintessential American Christmas movie. Now, the Playmakers Repertory Company is bringing a stage adaptation to Chapel Hill. “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is showing through December 16th at the Center for Dramatic Art on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As Christmas draws nearer, we are flooded with images of Santa Claus. He is perhaps our most iconic symbol of the holiday. The modern Santa Claus is based on the legends of Saint Nicholas, or Nicholas of Myra from the 4th Century. Adam English is Associate Professor of Religion at Campbell University and author of “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus” (Baylor University Press/ 2012). He joins host Frank Stasio to discuss the historical origins of Santa Claus.

Handel's Messiah -- it's a staple this time of year for community sing-alongs and professional orchestras alike. The North Carolina Symphony is performing the work this weekend at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh. I spoke with conductor Grant Llewellyn earlier this week. He says he understands why the work has endured to become a holiday classic.

You know the holiday season is in full swing when Christmas Trees are sprouting up on big corner lots and at most big box stores.   North Carolina is one of the top producers of Christmas Trees.  The state is also a top producer of another holiday plant – the poinsettia. 

First of all – North Carolina poinsettias are grown in-doors – in greenhouses.   The conditions have to be just right. This is a tropical plant, you know.  And the colors! Walking into a poinsettia greenhouse at N-C State is like walking into a candy store!