"Ooh, that's a nice box!" has become the most often repeated phrase during our family Christmases—far surpassing "Merry Christmas".
And, yes, that's because I say it at every stage of every present, from selection through wrapping and on to every present's unwrapping.
I'm begun a nice collection.
Of boxes.
I find myself writing yet another toy parser, as one does during a Christmas break. It roughly follows Resilient LL Parsing Tutorial. Not because I need resilience, but mostly because I find producing a syntax tree and a collection of diagnostics a more natural fit for the problem than bailing out on the first error.
The 1990 Corona Christmas commercial, “O Tannenpalm,” is one of the most iconic holiday ads ever made. Its simplicity and timelessness have kept it on air for over three decades.
#CoronaChristmas #FelizNavidad #OTannenpalm #HolidayTradition #ChristmasCommercial #AdHistory #90sNostalgia #IconicAds #PalmTreeLights #HolidaySeason
Bundle up and shine on—Huntsville’s annual Galaxy of Lights at the Botanical Garden glows with millions of lights, immersive tunnels, and festive magic perfect for all ages. ✨🎄 #GalaxyOfLights #HuntsvilleAL #HolidayTradition
Posted into Travel Destinations @travel-destinations-Paige_Travels
Dereck Whittenburg Named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Raleigh Christmas Parade
Raleigh, NC — A beloved Raleigh tradition is getting an iconic hometown touch this year. NC State basketball legend Dereck Whittenburg has been announced as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh.
Whittenburg holds a special place in North Carolina sports history. As a standout guard on the 1982-83 NC State Men’s Basketball National Championship Team, Whittenburg helped lead the Wolfpack to one of the most memorable NCAA tournament runs of all time. His #25 jersey is honored by NC State, reflecting his lasting legacy and influence.
Today, Whittenburg continues to serve the Raleigh community as the Associate Athletic Director for Community Relations and Student Support at NC State, focusing on education, mentorship, and leadership development.
“I am deeply honored to serve as Grand Marshal,” Whittenburg shared. “This parade is about community gathering, joy, and supporting the local businesses and families that make the Triangle region so special. I’m proud to help celebrate this meaningful holiday tradition together.”
Parade Details
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 Time: 9:30 AM Location: Downtown Raleigh Presented By: Shop Local Raleigh & ABC11
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is one of the largest holiday parades in the Southeast, bringing together marching bands, dance groups, floats, local organizations, and tens of thousands of spectators. It also serves as a major celebration of local business and holiday shopping across the Triangle.
This year’s parade is expected to draw even greater excitement as the community celebrates Whittenburg’s legacy and leadership.
Why This Matters to Raleigh
The selection of Whittenburg reflects Raleigh’s ongoing commitment to:
Celebrating local impact Honoring community leadership Supporting and uplifting local businesses Strengthening cultural and family traditions
Whether you’re a lifelong Raleigh resident, a Wolfpack fan, or simply love holiday magic, this year’s parade is shaping up to be one to remember.
Stay Connected
📰 Follow DoRaleigh.com for full parade updates, holiday guides, events, and everything happening in Raleigh.
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#25 #ChristmasParade #CityOfRaleigh #CommunityGathering #DereckWhittenburg #downtownRaleigh #events #GrandMarshal #HolidayTradition #News #raleigh