PARIS!

FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2025

On The Cover: Everybody celebrates the holidays in their own way. Some have a quiet day; others have big family galas, and then there’s this person with a gigantic Santa inflatable in the yard! Merry Christmas from all of us at PARIS! Magazine.

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Editor’s Notes

IT’S THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Now that the holiday season is upon us, I don’t want to miss a single twinkling moment!

Make the most of this magical time of year, starting with Around Our Town, which shines a light on the unique strengths that make every member of our community special and the willingness to help one another.

If you’re ready to be amazed, Arts and Entertainment brings a little sparkle to your festivities with REZA’s Edge of Illusion, a show sure to leave your family wide-eyed and full of wonder. For those looking to plan their holiday adventures, the Calendar of Events is packed with parades, performances, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Feeling festive at home? Home Sweet Home highlights the “Best Holiday Decor Trends of 2025”, perfect for transforming your space into a winter wonderland. And if you’re searching for the perfect present, In the Garden offers creative “Holiday Gifts for the Gardener” in your life as well as the Great Outdoors’ humorous take on your “Spousal Christmas List.”

Then, step inside the magic of the season with “Celebrate the Season at Paris Landing State Park,” where the lights, laughter, and local traditions come alive.

Hungry for something sweet? “Paris Cuisine” by River Byrd shares Wilma’s Sweet Christmas Legacy, a recipe story that’s as rich as the cookies themselves. Meanwhile, Recollections and Remember When take us back through cherished family memories and vintage Christmas photos — a perfect dose of nostalgia. To top that off, “Reminiscence” by Shannon McFarlin hits a sentimental note with “Our Sounds of Music”, celebrating Henry County’s numerous musicians from the past.

And don’t miss our Spotlight on Sheila Wilson, who stitches memories into keepsake quilts — turning old T-shirts into treasured gifts that truly come from the heart.

Perfect for cozy reading by the tree or fireplace, grab a cup of cocoa, turn on your favorite carols, and enjoy this holiday issue of PARIS! Magazine.

Happy Holidays!

Smantha

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In This Issue

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REMEMBER WHEN: Memories From Christmases Past

We thank Pete Lackey for the use of his photo collection in this article. Through the years, he has accumulated photo negatives and boxes of old photos, saving them for sake of local history. If you recognize yourself or family member, let us know on our Facebook page. Read More >>

RECOLLECTIONS: Bowden & Parker Family Christmas

By Jesse Parker, Jr.

All children love Christmas. I think it’s even more magical when there are several children to enjoy it with. But I do believe Granddaddy HT, Harvey Bowden, enjoyed it more than all us Parker children combined, especially if it snowed! Read More >>

FEATURE: Celebrate the Season at Paris Landing State Park

As the holidays approach, Paris Landing State Park offers a festive lineup of events for families, friends, and visitors of all ages. Nestled along the scenic shores of Kentucky Lake, the park and The Lodge at Paris Landing provide the perfect setting for making holiday memories. From craft fairs and holiday dinners to hikes and wildlife encounters, there’s something for everyone this season. Read More >>

HOME SWEET HOME: Best Holiday Decor Trends of 2025

By Austin Hopper-Reed

As we unwrap the 2025 holiday season, one thing is clear: festive decorating has never felt more personal, intentional, or artful. This year’s biggest design story isn’t about excess or minimalism — it’s about balance. Read More >>

SPOTLIGHT: The Gift of Memories One Stitch at a Time

By Karen Geary

Most people own at least one T-shirt. It’s a common staple in daily wardrobes and often commemorate special events like concert tours, destination spots, or charitable causes. But hiding in the bottom of a dresser, sometimes forgotten, are those shirts that are impossible to throw away; the ones that hold special meaning to its wearer. Read More >>

HOME SWEET HOME: THAT Carolina Feeling ALL YEAR LONG

By Laura Davis

From 0 to 100, in this case it’s not describing the acceleration of a sports car or a quick change in someone’s emotional state. This describes the age range of patients Dr. Scott Whitby treats on a daily basis. Read More >>

AROUND OUR TOWN: Recognizing Special Strengths; Taking the D out of Disabilities

By Rhonda Stanton

On Thursday, October 2, of this year, Tara Hargrove (owner of Southside Café) was presented a Certificate of Special Recognition signed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Read More >>

PARIS CUISINE: Wilma's Sweet Christmas Legacy

By River Byrd

Every December, Wilma McLauchlan’s kitchen became the heart of Christmas magic. She ties on her apron, gathers her well-worn recipe cards, and begin what her family lovingly called “Wilma’s Cookie Marathon.” By the time she’s done, the counters are lined with trays of sweet creations, ready to delight family and friends. Read More >>

JUST FOR FUN: Christmas Crossword Fun

Test your recollection with our Paris-themed crossword puzzle in the holiday 2025 issue of PARIS!
Read More >>

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - Coming to Krider Performing Arts Center: REZA EDGE OF ILLUSION

By Rhonda Stanton

It is no secret that one of Branson’s top shows for the last several years has been REZA: Edge of Illusion. What a great surprise it was when REZA’s team reached out to us at Krider Performing Arts Center and asked if they could bring the show to Paris! After a bit of chatting, the date of Saturday, November 15, was selected. Read More >>

REMINISCENCE: Our Sounds of Music

By Shannon McFarlin

One thing has stayed constant in the history of Henry County: Music has played an integral part of our history since the very beginning. Henry Countians know what it’s like to tap our toes and clap our hands. And the coolest cats know how to snap their fingers to the beat. Read More >>

GREAT OUTDOORS: Spousal Support List Requires Thoughtful Input

By Steve McCadams

Comprising the annual Christmas list for the lady of the house – hereafter referred to as “Upper Management”– requires a lot of time and careful effort for both recipient and giver. It’s a tedious task. Not meant to be taken lightly.Read More >>

IN THE GARDEN: Holiday Gifts for the Gardener

By John Watkins

Holiday time again. You either love it or hate it. For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year with nonstop holiday parties, lots of food and beverages, shopping for that perfect gift, and some much appreciated rain and cooler weather. For others, it’s having to go to all those nonstop parties, absolutely too much food and beverages, having to actually shop and worry whether you be able to find that perfect gift, and all that depressing wet and cooler weather. Like I said, you can either love it or hate it. Read More >>