At #4 #ShopSmallSaturday  You don't have to shop small just on this day of the year, check out how to shop small any day!

#3 Warbirds over Monroe, a tribute to our Veterans.

#2 Why Living in Fort Mill is the perfect place!

#1 Finding new homes in Fort Mill, South Carolina- reasons why this is such a desirable place to live! 

Jenny Linich Real Estate offers Fort Mill homes for sale in Fort Mill, South Carolina but she also serves York and the Charlotte Real Estate area.  Her focus is on providing detailed market research on new and existing homes for sale in North and South Carolina.  Jenny is a licensed Realtor in both states and even teaches real estate courses in South Carolina. Fort Mill real estate is particularly hot because of the high quality York County School District and all of the new home builders in South Carolina.  
If you want to sample what it is like to work with Jenny, download her sample comparison guide to buying a new home in Fort Mill, SC by clicking on the button below.  Whether you're interest is in Lake Wylie real estate, Charlotte real estate or Fort Mill, real estate, Jenny Linich will have the time and care to find your dream home.  Jenny is with the Keller Williams Charlotte Ballantyne Area office and serves South Carolina in addition to North Carolina. Visit Jenny Online at  www.newhousesfortmillsc.com

Christmas as we know it today is a Victorian invention of the 1860's.  Chirstmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditons from around the world, where it is celebrated in 160 countries.

In Sweden, Denmark and Findland, December 13 marks the celebration of St. Lucia and the begining of the Christmas season.  Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day.

Norway is the birthplace to the Yule Log, a large log traditonally burned in a fireplace on Christmas Eve.

The first "Christmas trees", explicity decorated and named after the Christian Holiday appeared in Strasbourg, Germany.  In the 1820's the first German immigrants decorated Christmas trees in Pennysylvania.
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In 1828 Joel Poinsett, the American minister to Mexico brought a red-and-green plant from Mexicao to America, which are now called Poinsettias.  In 1870 New York stores began to sell them at Christmas and by the 1900's, they were a universal symbol of the holiday.  In Mexico, pinatas filled with candy and coins are used.

​Christmas greeting cards, plum pudding, and caroling all begain in England. The mistletoe tradition was started by the Celtic and Teutonic peoples.  In the United States and England, chidren hung stocking on their bedposts or near a fireplace.  In Scandanavia, similar minded children left their shoes on the hearth.  This tradition can be traced to legends about St. Nicholas.

In France, Christmas is called Noel, which refers to, "the good news" in the the Gospel.  In southern France, some people burn a log from Christmas Eve to New Years day.

Italians celebrate the Feast of the seven fishes on Christmas Eve with meals of fish and other seafood.

In Australia, Christmas day comes in the middle of summer.  Beach time and outdoor BBQ's are common.  Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, gift exchanges and a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or a BBQ.

Ukrainians prepare a twelve course meal that can begin when the evening star appears.

Canadian celebrations are very similar to those practiced in the United States.  The Eskimos celebrate a winter festival called Sinck Tuck, which are parties with dancing and gifts.

In Greece, many people believe in Kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas.  Gifts are exchanged on January 1, St. Basil's Day.

A manger scene is the primary decor in most Southern European, Central and South American nations.

The first eggnog made in the United Sates was consumed in Captain John Smith's Jamestown settlement.

​Here in Fort Mill the Christmas season started on December 1st with the Band Stand, welcoming Santa and the tree lighting ceremony, followed by the Christmas parade on the 3rd, and Christmasville in Rock Hill, SC from the 1st-4th.  

​Santa is coming to town... on the firetruck.  December 17th, Santa will be riding every street in Tega Cay beginning at 8am.

In the new home community of Eppington South, the neighbors across from the CatAtlantic model home (641 Chase Ct, Fort Mill, S) have a wonderful light display set to music!

Tega Cay does a great job of lighting the trees in the parkway along Tega Cay Dr.  It is a sparkiling drive!

NarroWay Theatre and Conference Center December 14th 6:30.  Enjoy a life-size nativity set at 3327 Hwy 51 N. Fort Mill.

If you live in Fort Mill, Rock Hill or Tega Cay, these Charlotte area  neighborhoods have light displays that are sure to please!  

Whatever your traditions may be, I wish you a beautiful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Today marks the 75th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American History.  It began as just another day in Pearl Harbor with the sun shining, and our servicemen sleeping or eating their breakfasts in the mess hall, when it drastically changed.  

The Japanese attacked the United States without warning at 7:55am and lasted 110 mins until 9:45am.  A total of 2,335 US servicemen were killed, 1,143 wounded, 65 cililians killed and 35 wounded.  They attacked on a Sunday because they believed Americans would be more relaxed and less alert on a weekend.  

There have been events going on everyday since Novermber 2 to remember this day.  Todays events begin at 7:45am UTC. You can see a full list of the events here.

"​If you can't be in Hawaii today, and are here in beautiful Fort Mill, SC, you can still be a part of day.  Enjoy a live webcast of the Parade or purchase a dvd.  The parade begins at Fort DeRusse in Waikiki.  It proceeds down Kalakaua Ave for 1 mile, then takes Monsarrat Ave to Waikiki Shell where an evening concert is held for participants in the parade.
4:30 Opening Ceremony
6:00 Parade Begins
7:30 Closing Ceremony.

You may also support the commemoration by purchasing official merchandise such as hats and coins or donate helping with protection, research, preserving and passing on to future generations.
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​If you are unable to make it out to Hawaii and you're near the Arizona state capital, stop by and see the signal mask, anchor and 14 inch gun from the USS Arizona.

Where ever you are today, take some time to talk with your children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends about what happened 75 years ago today.
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"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"
​Philosopher George Santajana