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AHOSKIE – There are special moments occurring over the course of our lives that remain forever in our hearts and minds.

You know what they are and what they mean to you personally and to your loved ones. They may seem trivial to others, but to you they bring a warm, fuzzy feeling whenever it crosses your mind or something similar occurs in your daily routine.

It’s perhaps a safe bet that many of those special moments in your life took place during the Christmas season. Many of us today still hold true to past traditions and customs handed down from generation to generation of families.

With that in mind, the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald is launching a project today where we are asking for your participation.

We want to publish stories and photos of family traditions dealing with this most wonderful time of the year. We’re asking our readers, as well as the general public, to share those special moments with us.

What we are seeking are short stories (and photos, if available) of family traditions you continue today. They can include a unique ornament you hang annually on your Christmas tree; a certain decoration – a family heirloom – that always finds a certain place in your home or even on your lawn; or it could be a special recipe – one belonging to a living or now departed loved one – that is always on your holiday menu.

Other traditions can include annual trips to select and bring home the perfect Christmas tree or taking your loved ones out to view displays of festive holiday lights; joining with your children to make and decorate Christmas cookies; a family gathering where certain songs are always performed or taking them out caroling in the neighborhood; always watching a certain holiday-themed movie or movies; attending a traditional holiday service at your place of worship; or sitting at home with your family and reading verses from the Bible regarding the birth of baby Jesus….the list goes on and on.

We will begin accepting your stories and photos effective today (Wednesday, Dec. 2). Please limit your stories to 400 words or less and share a photo or photos if available.

Our plan is to publish these between Dec. 5 and Dec. 23 depending on the total number of stories received. The deadline to submit is Friday, Dec. 18.

You can email your stories/photos to cal.bryant@r-cnews.com or drop them off at our office (located at the intersection of Main Street and Catherine Creek Road in Ahoskie) weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Cal Bryant at 252-332-7207.

We look forward to sharing your memories of this special season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all!