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When Christmas in Springfield was no big deal
Christmas in the 1840s and 1850s was no big deal. In many areas, New Year’s was more important. But there were still some of the elements that we know today. Christmas trees were rare in the U.S. at the time, but gifts were given, and holiday dinners were popular.

’Tis the season
When 150 or so impeachment supporters rallied Tuesday evening in front of the Springfi eld offi ce of Rodney Davis, they didn’t hold out much hope they would change the congressman’s vote. But they reminded everybody that Davis is now a Trumper through and through.

Few viable opponents emerge
Republican Lawrence Oliver of Dorsey has filed to run against Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) in the March primary. Oliver has not yet reported raising any money, but his main issue appears to be Bourne’s vote for the 19 cents per gallon gas tax hike to fund infrastructure projects during the past spring legislative session.

LETTERS
As a San Franciscan with humble roots in the north end of Springfield, I am so incredibly moved by how far my state and my community have come (“Teaching LGBT history,” Dec. 12). LGBT people make innumerable contributions to every society on this planet.

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…HALLOWEEN
Pity Menard County sheriff’s deputies who drew short straws earlier this month and were tasked with doing a job no one wants: Slithering beneath a home in search of human remains. It began when a Petersburg homeowner hired a contractor for a weatherization project in a crawl space and a basement.

RECYCLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Recycle them. Thanks to BLH Computers, in collaboration with units of local government, there are several drop-off sites in Springfield and surrounding communities. You can recycle your Christmas lights in drop boxes at Springfield City Hall/Municipal Center West (300 S.

In need of weed
During a recent visit to HCI Alternatives, the only marijuana dispensary within Springfield city limits, a dozen patients stood outside a few minutes before the opening time of 10 a.m. Most didn’t want their names used. They said they arrived early because there’s been a shortage.

Pritzker and Democrats in year one
During the campaign, Pritzker positioned himself as a foil to Rauner and President Donald Trump and promised to usher in a wave of progressive policies. He also promised a new era of bipartisanship after four stagnant years that included a two-year budget impasse which led to a ballooning backlog of unpaid bills and cuts to many state services.

Guy Fawkes and you guys
Allan Metcalf, retired professor of English at MacMurray College, traces the story of Guy Fawkes and the evolution of the word “guy” through the centuries to its use as a second-person pronoun. Metcalf outlines the changes in a slim book titled, The Life of Guy: Guy Fawkes the Gunpowder Plot and the Unlikely History of an Indispensable Word.

Ravioli Christmas
Growing up as a young child in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, I always envied the neighbors who lived next door to our 1950s ranch house. My parents had an unhappy marriage.

First Night Springfield 2019
If you want to ring in 2020 the right way then you’ll want to be downtown Springfield on New Year’s Eve. This year marks 33 years that the capital city has hosted the annual celebration of the arts.

Abrams delivers spectacle and heart with satisfying Rise
I’m certainly not going to put the film under the microscope for a minute deconstruction; however, I will say that Abrams seems to hit all of the sweet spots fans will be eager to embrace – numerous allusions to earlier episodes, major surprises where the fate of its central characters are concerned and some genuine heart-tugging moments.

Music and more
It’s the weekend before Christmas and all through the town, lots of creatures were stirring and moving around. Why, heck yeah, they were! The city was hopping with all these folks going out to see the barrage of live music happening all over the place.

LIVE MUSIC
J. C. B. Entertainment Karaoke.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Alec James Payton
A folksinger by calling and by determination, this young man makes music for himself and we’re fortunate to be recipients of the thoughtful and provocative, insightful and superlative work he produces.

THE CALENDAR
Christmas Tree Display and Open House.

HISTORY | Christmas Eve 1864
Lincoln Home National Historic Site invites the community to attend a special performance of A Message at Midnight,.

FAITH | A change in seasons
The winter solstice occurs when one of the earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun thus creating the longest night of the year in the Western hemisphere. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this astronomical occurrence and celebrated the subsequent return of the sun in a variety of ways.