West Alabama Wednesday Briefing
Good morning West Alabama. It is Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Wednesday Morning Observations:
I was at my pharmacy recently and while in the checkout line I overheard two ladies discussing how they couldn't wait until the holidays are over. They talked about stress and making sure everything is perfect.
Unfortunately, instead of the most joyful time of the year, the Christmas holiday is a burden to many. In many, if not most, cases the burden is self-imposed. Cooking, cleaning, shopping for just the right presents, attending parties, hosting family all can make the holidays a stressful and depressing time.
Still others face different stressor such as financial pressures, isolation, family tensions, loneliness, bereavement, and anxiety about the coming new year.
For many, the holidays are more about survival than enjoyment. That makes it important for us to pay attention to family and friends. Instead of getting so wrapped up in holiday events, check on those who may already being struggling. Odds are the holidays are just exacerbating their issues.
Make up your mind to take over the holidays and not let the holidays take you over. Some suggestions from experts are worth considering.
- Unplug: Cut back on smartphone and social media time. Encourage family members to do the same.
- Don't overschedule activities. Focus the majority of your energy and time on activities that are fun for you.
- Don't try to prepare for holiday gatherings alone. Delegate various food items and preparations to those attending parties or family meals
- Get adequate sleep. This is important on so many levels, but it helps reduce stress.
- Don't spend all your time in the kitchen. Enjoy the presence of family and friends. Most people's fond memories from holidays past are not what they had to eat but the fellowship.
- Don't try to live up to unrealistic expectations of perfection.
- Make up your mind to not allow arguments or differences with others destroy the holidays. It is simply not worth it.
- If you find the holidays becoming unboreable don't be reluctant to seek help. If not a family member or friend, call the 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline. They are there for you.
- After holiday blues can be just as problematic as an overwhelming holiday schedule. Keep up contact with family and friends and seek assistance if the absence of the hectic holiday schedule becomes depressing.
The above tips are a compilation of several sources researched. There are other issues to consider but the main idea is to keep this the "most joyful time of the year."
Weather:
The cold front has pushed the rain out of West Alabama. With the drier air comes cooler temperatures for the remainder of the work week. A slight warmup over the weekend will usher in more rain chances Saturday and Sunday as daytime highs bump back up into the 60s.
The Forecast:
Topping the News:
Nick's Kids Foundation has honored 70 area educators at the annual "Teacher Excellence Award Luncheon." Teachers from the Tuscaloosa City and County systems plus teachers from Fayette, Greene, Hale, Perry, and Sumter counties were also honored with a certificate and $500.00 gift cards.
A 1.88% reduction in overall retail power rates is coming in 2025 according to a press release from Alabama Power Company. APC will also pass along $96 million in bill credits to customers from a legal judgement awarded the company in a lawsuit against the federal government.
81-year-old Lee Johnson of Brierfield in Bibb County has died from injuries suffered in a Monday crash on Alabama 139.
The driver of the other vehicle, 64-year-old Leon Clayton, also of Brierfield and 61-year-old Montevallo resident Timothy Ludorf were both injured.
The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettle Christmas fundraiser campaign kicks off Friday with a goal to raise $80,000. Captain Michael Chisolm will launch the campaign by ringing the familiar bell at 6:00pm in front of University Mall.
Donations can also be made at tuscaloosakettle.org. More volunteer bell ringers are also needed.
ADPH is reporting an increase in dog bites in Lamar County. So far this year there has been an increase of 33. That has prompted a call by some for the county to follow state law and develop an animal shelter.
The Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place at 11:00am. Saturday at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo and some 100 other cemeteries across the state. Volunteers and supporters will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach about the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armer services.
SantaCon returns to Tuscaloosa tomorrow. The annual event's opening ceremony is 7:00pm at Druid City Brewing Company.
In the wake of more than 14,000 EBT participants having benefits stolen last month by criminals, the Alabama Department of Human Resources is adding heightened security measures to users next year, which involve chip cards.
Topping Sports News:
Brian Niedermeyer is the 26th head football coach at Tuscaloosa County High School. He had previously been the Wildcat's defensive coordinator. Prior to coming to Northport, he served on the staff at the University of Tennessee.
Alabama Quarterback signee Keelon Russell has added another honor to a prolific career at Duncanville, Texas High School. He has been named Gatorade "National Player of the Year." He had already been named Texas Player of the Year.
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