Merchants around the world depend on the Christmas season each year for twenty to fifty percent of their yearly sales. 

The travel industry from airlines to gasoline stations see a nice bump during the holidays. People are going to buy airplane tickets and buy gasoline. 

Grocery stores do better during the holidays. People cook more for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. The alcohol industry does well during holidays. Wine, Beer and Bourbon Whiskey all do well normally and more so during December. 

Charities and Churches enjoy December. People give more money to the church in December than any other month. People who want to give make sure their gifts are given by December 31st. Churches normally have special children and music programs during the month that increases attendance. 

Counselors see a spike in activity during December. More people are depressed during the Christmas and New Year's Eve holidays than any other time of the year. 

Funeral homes are busy in December and January. Check your local funeral home obituaries for last December and January and you'll be amazed at how many funerals took place. 

Fitness centers and gyms across the country prepare for their biggest month of the year which is January. Millions of people will drag into their local fitness center and sign up for a twelve-month membership. About fifty percent of these people or less will only use their memberships a few times during the year but will be stuck in 12 month contracts. 

Christmas is a profitable time for many it seems. 

The greater value of this wonderful season comes with the opportunities of Christmas.

You have a good excuse to call or visit people. Christmas is about personal relationships and connecting to real people. The Christmas story is about a personal God who came as a real person to help real people with real needs. 

Christmas is family time. Don't exclude anybody. God is inclusive. He came to love all the people of the world. There are always people who feel excluded, unloved and seem to be the rag muffin person in the family.  No one is perfect. Everyone has failed in different ways. 

Christmas is a different day. Stores, most restaurants, workplaces and businesses are closed on Christmas. What are you going to do? Be happy, reflect, give thanks and don't feel sorry for yourself. Take time to focus on the one that so many Christmas songs have been written about, "Christ, The Savior is born."

We need Christmas because we need The Savior of Christmas. We need peace on earth and good will to men. We need a Silent Night and a holy night. We need the Joy to the World as sung in the famed Christmas Carol. We need to know the grave is not the end. We need to have  the hope of eternal life. We need help to deal with our grief and strength to face tomorrow. Jesus came to give us this and more. That's why we need him and the message of Christmas so desperately in our lives.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author. What’s your view? Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Why We Need Christmas

CRESTVIEW — Victor Fleischer, and his wife, Rebecca, had a vision of opening their own candy shop after watching an episode of “Undercover Boss.”

That vision manifested in the form of a throwback-style candy shop and national franchise called “Rocket Fizz” located on the north end of Crestview.

Victor spent 25 years in the military beginning in the Navy and transferring to the Air Force where he retired. However, he continued with the military as a contractor working on Eglin Air Force Base. Throughout his military career, Victor said he always wanted to open his own business.

“My wife saw this one on ‘Undercover Boss’ so she goes, ‘That’s what I want’,” Victor said. “And, here we are.”

Victor and Rebecca enjoyed many things about the franchise, but took particular interest in the founder, Robert Powells.

“It’s just his personality,” Victor said.

Although the store is part of a franchise, there’s an instant mom-and-pop feel upon entering the candy shop.

Many popular items like Pop Rocks, a large variety of salt water taffy, rare sodas like the original "Harry Potter" inspired Butterscotch Beer, and foreign sodas line the walls and fill the store.

The nostalgic candy wonderland doesn’t end at candy and soda.

The walls are decorated with vintage, 50s-inspired metal signs like one featuring a woman sipping tea with words reading, “Make yourself at home. Clean my kitchen.”

Victor said it took about a year to open the business, three months to contract with Rocket Fizz and about nine months to work with the city of Crestview.

Crestview residents since the late 80s as well as parents, Victor and Rebecca felt there was a lack of entertainment for children in the city.

“[Children] come in here and their eyes just widen, mouths drop, and they just run around here for an hour,” Victor said.

The candy choices are numerous, but Victor said he is willing to order and track down requests from customers.

Rocket Fizz is located at 1375 N Ferdon Blvd.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A blast from the past for candy fans

CRESTVIEW — In previous meetings, the Crestview city council discussed where the city manager's office would be located, but couldn't come to an agreement. At the Dec. 10 meeting, Council President J. B. Whitten presented an "alternative to the alternative to the alternative" that satisfied each council member.

With the help of Crestview's Fire Chief Anthony Holland, Whitten said the IT department's office could move from city hall into a conference room located in the Crestview Fire Department. The city manager's office would then replace the IT department in City Hall.

"Now you got the city manager, the city council, the mayor all in the same location," Whitten said.

Whitten said there would be no costs associated with this temporary plan.

Should the city manager want a different office location, the council would allow the relocation.

The original plan was to eliminate the offices of three councilmen, which Council Vice President Bill Cox opposed.

Cox then presented the following alternatives at the Dec. 10 meeting:

1. Transform the mayor's conference room into an office, and using the council chambers as a conference room.

2. Use office space located in the Crestview Community Center.

3. Move the mayor's office in to the conference room, and use the existing mayor's office for the city manager.

Councilman Shannon Hayes said he was opposed to all three, especially the community center plan because he felt the public should have better access to the city manager.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: City council reaches decision on city manager office

LAUREL HILL — Construction on redevelopment and improvements to Gene Clary Park in Laurel Hill will likely conclude next week, city officials said at the Dec. 6 meeting.

Residents can expect to see the following improvements:

• Renovated basketball courts
• Improved restrooms
• New swings and shading at the playground
• An improved picnic area with new tables and benches

“It is a good improvement to the park,” Mayor Robby Adams said. “It will help utilize, especially in the playground area, the sun shade… [The community] can take pride in the park because it’s looking better. It’s getting more up-to-date replacing some of the old stuff.”

The city received the funds for the improvements in 2016, but construction began around one month ago.

According to Crystal Weatherington, an engineer contracted out by the council, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection awarded the city a $50,000 grant.

“They’re trying to get more of the community to use the park, and in the condition it was in, they didn’t have a whole lot of traffic in the park,” Weatherington said.

The city uses Gene Clary Park each October during the Laurel Hill Hobo Festival, which did not take place this year.

Weatherington said the city could potentially use the park for a little league baseball team.

Although this portion of improvements has been nearly completed, city officials say this is only the beginning of improvements.

Despite construction, the park remains open for the community.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill park improvements near completion

Got fines? Short on cash? No problem!

Crestview library book borrowers may donate non-expired canned goods at the library now through Dec. 21. Each canned good given to the staff at the circulation desk eliminates $1 in fines, up to $20. 

Donations will be delivered to Sharing and Caring here in Crestview to help those in need in Okaloosa County. What a great way to give this holiday season!

Jean McCarthy is the Crestview Public Library's administrative assistant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Fine forgiveness program helps local food pantry

If you’re headed out to buy a real Christmas tree to deck your halls this year, here’s what you need to know to keep your tree looking fresh through the holiday.

Cut it yourself. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, some trees are cut weeks before they’re sold. To ensure your tree lasts as long as possible, go to a farm that lets you chop it down yourself or find a nursery that will provide you with a freshly cut tree.

Secure the tree to your car while taking it home. Wrap it up and point the bottom of the tree forward to keep needles from being blown off, and make sure to tie it securely.

Cut off the bottom of the trunk. Experts say the sap from the tree can seal off the pores in the trunk once it’s cut, so sawing a few inches off the bottom before putting your tree in water will ensure it stays hydrated.

Water it. Make sure the tree stand is filled with water at all times, and make sure the water level never goes below the base of the tree. Some experts recommend 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.

Keep it away from heat sources. Real trees can be a serious fire hazard, so keep it away from heaters, ducts, candles and anything else that could ignite your tree. Use lights that produce low heat to keep your tree from igniting, and don’t overload electrical circuits. Always turn the tree lights off when leaving the house or going to bed.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 6 tips for taking care of your real Christmas tree

Christmas is coming and wish lists vary. Here are ideas from which most can benefit.

Medical care for all Americans. Congress must sever ties with lobbyists working on behalf of the pharmaceutical and medical insurance companies and represent the American people. Prescription costs are too high and the government pays too much money to the drug companies for those who receive various medicines from government coverage. All Americans should be able to see a doctor and receive medical care. Working Americans should have access to affordable medical care. Retired and poor/disabled/uninsurable Americans should have access to Medicare and Medicaid. All Veterans and military should be able to choose an alternate doctor or hospital when the VA hospital and doctors are not in close proximity or are inaccessible.

My medical insurance company recently informed me that my doctors must always gain their consent when prescribing any kind of medicine. They not only demand final approval on any medications I might need, they frequently dictate that my doctor prescribes a medication that is less expensive. I would like to think that my doctor prescribes medicines based on his opinion that they will work.  If I decide to follow my doctor's direction and the medical insurance company doesn't agree then I will be totally out of pocket for my prescription.

My wife and I were in France once and she had to see a doctor. There were doctor offices everywhere in Paris. Seeing a doctor and getting two prescriptions were less than $35. We didn't use an insurance card and a visit to the doctor and going to the pharmacy around the corner both took less than 90 minutes. France does not have socialized medicine. They are involved in controlling the costs of drugs. The life expectancy for those living in France is longer than us living in America. France's medical world is not perfect but we should take notes.

Christmas will be good if Americans can have access to jobs across the country. Big cities are booming with jobs it seems but rural America does not have the same options. I suppose it will always be this way but everyone cannot live in Provo, Utah, Austin, Texas or Nashville, Tennessee. A friend of mine recently moved to Indianapolis and has job opportunities galore. The federal government must spend some of the money we give away to the Middle East on rural America. Roads, bridges, parks and investing in small companies that will locate in rural America must be a government priority. We've spent too many years nation-building throughout the planet and let Appalachia and other rural communities drown.

I don't have enough space so here are musts for Americans this Christmas:

• Small interest loans so our youth can afford to go to college. Make college as affordable as possible.
• Turn Social Security around and keep our promised retirements solvent for our graying Americans.
• Reward the corporations who stay in America and let those who want to be out of America pay the price for abandoning us.
• Keep America safe with strong borders and a strong military and take care of those who do and have served our country.
• Insure that sane Americans can have their Colt 45 revolvers by their bedside tables when they turn out the lights and say their prayers.

Finally, may we all be a little more like President George H.W. Bush who wrote newly elected President Bill Clinton a very gracious note welcoming him to the oval office and assuring him of his support saying "…that you will be 'our' President when you read this note."  He led by living the example that it doesn't hurt any of us to be respectful, gracious, decent people who help, love and encourage others.

May all Americans have a Merry Christmas.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author.

What’s your view?

Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What we need for Christmas

CRESTVIEW — For the first time, the Hub City Bulldogs represented Crestview in an annual Pop Warner tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

The Mitey Mite football team played their first game against a team from Hawaii Dec. 1 at 9 a.m eastern time, which aired on ESPN 3.

“That’s huge for these kids to go to Disney World and play with other kids from across the country,” Terry Jackson said.

Terry, his wife Jennifer Jackson and Miriam and Ryan Hardy brought the first Pop Warner program to Crestview with the help of the community.

“Our community stepped up and rallied behind these children," Jennifer said. "…We have been able to fully outfit this program head-to-toe, debt free."

Terry and Jennifer said they are "speechless" about making it to this weekend's tournament.

"We didn't expect it to take off like this," Terry said.

The Mitey Mite cheer squad also competed in a cheer exhibition located in an arena that seats about 20,000 people. Jennifer said most of them had never cheered before.

"They are so excited," Jennifer said. "This is a big, big deal. It's a national stage."

Jennifer said they are one out of nine teams in the southeast region chosen to perform in the tournament.

Pop Warner Little Scholars is a non-profit organization providing football and cheer programs to youth in several nations. The organization is the largest youth football organization in the United States with over 300,000 participants.

With “Little Scholars” as part of their name, Pop Warner places importance on academic success. Along with being recognized for athletic ability, Pop Warner also recognizes those with outstanding academics.

Being successful in the classroom was important for Denis Lysiak, whose son Jacoby plays on the Mitey Mite football team. Lysiak said his son was only a few points from national recognition, something Jacoby wasn't thrilled about.

“I told my son if he wants to play at the next level, he has to have his grades in order,” Lysiak said.

Amanda Bowser’s daughter, Adalyn Bowser, cheers for the Mitey Mite cheer squad. Amanda said her daughter’s academics have improved since joining the team.

“Her grades have gone up and stayed up,” Amanda said.

Terry and Jennifer said they plan to continue the program next year.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Hub City Bulldogs make history in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — The city of Crestview Christmas Parade has been rescheduled.

Due to possible inclement weather, the parade has been moved to Saturday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

Forecasts show potential heavy rain and severe weather in the area Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Christmas Parade moved due to threat of severe weather

CRESTVIEW — Quentin Paulsen, a local barber who won an international competition sponsored by Reuzel, American Salon, and Project X, has returned from the Netherlands trip that was part of his prize package.

The grand prize came as a surprise.

"I thought possibly I might be a finalist, but totally did not expect to win the competition. I knew that the haircut was good, and I was very proud of it," he said. "I was so surprised when I woke up to the alerts on my phone that I had won."

It also included training at the Project X Old School Barber Academy in Amsterdam, Holland.

"Their style of cutting is more old-world, old-school style, soft clipper over comb," Paulsen said. "You can shape the haircut in a style that better fits the client."

They cut classic styles he prefers from the 1940s, '50s and '60s, such as pompadours, quiffs, executive contours, jelly rolls, the elephant trunks — the kinds in shows like "Mad Men" and "Grease," according to Paulsen.

He and fellow students  got to see the techniques old-school barbers use from start to finish. They also performed four haircuts themselves with instructor critique. 

Paulsen learned "a more refined approach to doing a haircut. I do model myself a lot after their approach," he said. He was able to pick up on the small details he hadn't learned from their Youtube videos, photos and seeing them speak at events.

Another takeaway from the trip was it opened his mind to similarities and differences between Crestview and another part of the world.

"Over there, it's very similar to how we approach life over here, and getting their point of view was a great experience," he said.

Paulsen became interested in the craft of barbering while a member of the U.S. Navy.

"While we were deployed, the guys would need to get their hair cleaned up a little bit, so I was the guy they would come to see. It was nothing fancy back then, but it piqued my interest in it," Paulsen said.

After the military, he used his G.I. Bill funding to go to barber school at Pensacola State College.

Paulsen said attending the Netherlands school has re-energized his love for his profession.

"I love the effect a good haircut has on every person who gives me the privilege to sit in my chair."

Hub City Barbers is located at 211 N. Main Street in Crestview. Appointments are available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Call 398-6555 or visit their Facebook page to book an appointment.

Paulsen and his wife, Melissa, have three children, with one more on the way.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Barber refines craft during Netherlands trip