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Dear Annie: Wishing a Merry Christmas to all

Dear Readers: Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Hope you enjoy these poems for the holidays.

“Christmas in the Heart” by Paul Laurence Dunbar

“The snow lies deep upon the ground, / And winter’s brightness all around / Decks bravely out the forest sere, / With jewels of the brave old year. / The coasting crowd upon the hill / With some new spirit seems to thrill; / And all the temple bells achime. / Ring out the glee of Christmas time. / In happy homes the brown oak-bough / Vies with the red-gemmed holly now; / And here and there, like pearls, there show / The berries of the mistletoe. / A sprig upon the chandelier / Says to the maidens, ‘Come not here!’ / Even the pauper of the earth / Some kindly gift has cheered to mirth! / Within his chamber, dim and cold, / There sits a grasping miser old. / He has no thought save one of gain, — / To grind and gather and grasp and drain. / A peal of bells, a merry shout / Assail his ear: he gazes out / Upon a world to him all gray, / And snarls, ‘Why, this is Christmas Day!’ / No, man of ice, — for shame, for shame! / For ‘Christmas Day’ is no mere name. / No, not for you this ringing cheer, / This festal season of the year. / And not for you the chime of bells / From holy temple rolls and swells. / In day and deed he has no part — / Who holds not Christmas in his heart!

An excerpt from “Christmas in War Time” by Richard Le Gallienne

“O pray with all your hearts that war may cease, / And who knows but that God may hear the prayer. / So it may come about next Christmas Day / That we shall hear the happy children play / Gladly aloud, unmindful of the dead, / And watch the lovers go / To the old woods to find the mistletoe.”

An excerpt from “Old Santeclaus” by Clement Clarke Moore

“Old Santeclaus with much delight / His reindeer drives this frosty night, / O’er chimney-tops, and tracks of snow, / To bring his yearly gifts to you. / The steady friend of virtuous youth, / The friend of duty, and of truth, / Each Christmas eve he joys to come / Where love and peace have made their home.”

“Love Came Down at Christmas” by Christina Rossetti

“Love came down at Christmas, / Love all lovely, Love Divine, / Love was born at Christmas, / Star and Angels gave the sign. / Worship we the Godhead, / Love Incarnate, Love Divine, / Worship we our Jesus, / But wherewith for sacred sign? / Love shall be our token, / Love be yours and love be mine, / Love to God and all men, / Love for plea and gift and sign.”

An excerpt from “Christmas Bells” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day / Their old, familiar carols play, / And wild and sweet / The words repeat / Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

General

Today’s daily horoscopes: Dec. 25, 2024

Honesty and mystery are the dichotomy of Scorpio, alive in the lunar themes of this Scorpio moon Christmas. The yule log will be a slow burn, and the nature of the merriment will be pondered long after the wrapping paper has been torn off. “Ring out the old, ring in the new. Ring, happy bells, across the snow. The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.” — Alfred, Lord Tennyson

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Relationships based in circumstances and leverage will fade, while relationships bonded in harmony and mutual support will go on and on. These factors are the glue that lasts through the ages.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Moments in today’s scene will be akin to one person dancing to music the other person doesn’t hear. But when we assume everyone has their reasons for doing what they do, awkwardness fades, acceptance rules, beauty unfolds.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Before you step into the arena, you’ll put yourself in the mindset to be observant and responsive to your surroundings. As you focus on finding ways to lift and help, self-consciousness fades away.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). To notice someone’s nervousness and assuage it is an act of warmth and inclusiveness that will not be forgotten. When people are comfortable enough to connect, magic happens.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s said that home is a starting place where the story begins. You’ll carry the warmth and love of home out into the world. A paradox: Somehow, being tethered to the love that first shaped you makes you feel free.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The limits are off and it feels like freedom. You’re open and impressionable today, which is much to your advantage since the cheer keeps ramping up and your heart keeps following it to new heights.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Of course, your goal feels out of reach right now because the whole point of goal-setting is to stretch. Just as physical stretching loosens and relaxes you, having an aim that pulls you toward it will ultimately end in a cozy state.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll read the room with an intelligence that is communicated beyond the limits of language. Easy fun is your domain of expertise. People enjoy your games and be up for whatever excitement you propose.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Trying to be better counts as actually being better. But so does accepting yourself more fully, which is actually a much faster route to the goal. Embrace your worth now and you’ll find improvement naturally follows with far less struggle.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There’s an ever-present and easily accessible chance to connect fully with all your senses to what’s going on around you. You’ll also have an extra sense for knowing the right thing to say and when to say it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Learning how something works is not enough to make it work for you. Experience is the best teacher because doing brings understanding in ways study never can. Do not doubt that practice will turn knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into mastery.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Everything that happens is new. Today looks like something you’ve seen before, but it’s a completely fresh opportunity to be in the moment with what matters to you. Don’t approach it like you already know, or you’ll miss what’s really there.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 25). Not only will you have a vision and the talent to flesh it out but you’ll have the support system to move fast into your new era. Nothing will interfere with your quest for the fabulously fulfilling personal life. More highlights: You’ll hone lucrative skills in an ongoing competitive challenge. You’ll enjoy vivid experiences out of town and entertainment catered just to you. Cancer and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 31, 1, 10 and 18.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Those who prize curiosity may not be surprised that at his peak, Robert Ripley was voted the most popular man in America, surpassing figures like President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Notably, his 1929 revelation that the U.S. had no official national anthem sparked public demand, culminating in the adoption of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1931. Ripley’s multimedia presence continues on in books, cartoons and “Odditoriums,” which remain popular attractions today.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

General

Mega Millions numbers: Are you the lucky winner of Tuesday’s $1 billion jackpot?

Are you tonight’s newest billionaire? Grab your tickets and check your numbers. The Mega Millions lottery will award a massive jackpot after someone won the $800 million prize on September 10.

Here are the winning numbers in Tuesday’s drawing:

11-14-38-45-46; Mega Ball: 03; Megaplier: 3X

The estimated jackpot for the drawing is $1 billion. The cash option is about $448.8 million. If no one wins, the jackpot climbs higher for the next drawing.

According to the game’s official website, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.

Players pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers — five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one number from 1 to 25 — or select Easy Pick. A player wins the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in a drawing.

Jackpot winners may choose whether to receive 30 annual payments, each five percent higher than the last, or a lump-sum payment.

Mega Millions drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays and are offered in 45 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $2 each.

General

3 former Alabama high school stars return to NFL rosters

Three Alabama high school alumni will wake up on Christmas morning on NFL rosters after starting Christmas eve out of the league.

On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Nicholas Morrow (Huntsville High School) to their active roster, the Atlanta Falcons signed linebacker Rashaan Evans (Auburn High School, Alabama) to their practice squad and the Miami Dolphins signed defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (Murphy High School) to their practice squad.

Each of the players rejoined a team they had played for this season.

An eight-year veteran with 105 NFL regular-season games and 58 starts in his career, Morrow played in 11 games for Buffalo before the Bills released him on Dec. 7.

A seven-year veteran with 87 NFL regular-season games and 68 starts in his career, Evans played in two games for Atlanta before being waived on Saturday. This is the third time the Falcons have signed Evans for their practice squad this season. He joined the team on Oct. 1, was released on Oct. 12, re-signed on Oct. 21 and moved up to the active roster on Nov. 1.

A three-year veteran with 19 NFL regular-season games in his career, Farrell played in seven games for Miami before being waived on Saturday. Farrell joined the Dolphins’ practice squad on Sept. 26 and moved up to the active roster on Nov. 11.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Denver Broncos cut former Alabama cornerback on Christmas Eve

The Denver Broncos waived cornerback Levi Wallace on Tuesday to move running back Blake Watson from the practice squad to their active roster.

Wallace played in Denver’s first 13 games and started two, including a 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 2. In the lineup for injured cornerback Riley Moss, Wallace had a long day against Browns quarterback Jameis Winston.

In the two games since, the former Alabama defensive back has been a healthy scratch as Denver has used younger players, such as Kris Abrams-Draine, a rookie from Spanish Fort High School, to fill in for Moss.

“It’s never an easy decision,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of waiving Wallace. “Hopefully, we’ll see how it goes and we’re able to get him back (on the practice squad). Basically, you’re trying to protect your roster at certain positions. I would say with the way Kris Abrams-Draine, some of those guys have been really stepping up. And keeping a young player like Blake Watson that others are trying to – this is the time of the year when some of the teams that are out of it are maybe trying to improve looking to the future (by signing practice-squad players), so it’s always difficult.

“It’s roster management, though, and it’s hard.”

Wallace joined Denver as an NFL free agent on April 22. He had been on the field for 307 defensive snaps and 49 special-teams plays this season.

Wallace has started 72 NFL regular-season and five playoff games even though he was not drafted after completing his college career with the Crimson Tide’s CFP national-championship team in 2017.

Wallace joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 2022 after starting all 57 games he played in four seasons with the Buffalo Bills after spending the first nine games of his rookie season on the practice squad.

In 2023, Wallace played in 16 games, with nine starts. Wallace began 2023 in the Steelers’ starting lineup, saw his playing time diminish as second-round rookie Joey Porter Jr. reached the field and returned to regular duty when injuries hit the secondary in the final month.

Wallace has intercepted 12 passes in his NFL career, but he does not have one this season.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

John Metchie III returns just in time for the Houston Texans

Wide receiver John Metchie III missed Houston’s game on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs because of a shoulder injury. But on Monday, the former Alabama pass-catcher said he’d be ready to play when the Texans take on the Baltimore Ravens as part of the NFL’s Christmas doubleheader.

“I feel good,” Metchie said. “I feel ready to go. I’m ready to attack the week.”

Metchie’s return is just in time, too, for shorthanded Houston. Already playing without four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs because of a season-ending knee injury, the Texans lost wide receiver Tank Dell during Saturday’s 27-19 setback.

Dell, who started his college career at Alabama A&M, sustained a dislocated kneecap and torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg while catching a 30-yard touchdown pass.

“We’re keeping him in our prayers while reaching out to him,” Metchie said, “letting him know that we’re there for him. But kind of got to stay focused on football. …

“I think that pain that everybody feels with losing our brother, Tank going down the way he did, just adds fuel to the fire for us.”

Dell departs with 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns when he went down in the eighth game of the season.

Former Clay-Chalkville High School standout Nico Collins is the Texans’ top receiver with 60 receptions for 909 yards and six touchdowns. Metchie is now next among Houston’s wide receivers with 17 receptions for 182 yards and one touchdown in 2024.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said Metchie, Xavier Hutchinson and practice-squad wide receiver Jared Wayne will step up in Dell’s absence.

“I’ve seen it time and time again of Metch showing up, Hutch showing up,” Stroud said on Monday. “J-Wayne going in there blocking and doing his thing. I think those guys have another opportunity to show who they are. I know that they can do it. I see in practice that they do it every week, so I’m excited for them. It’s an opportunity for them to step up.”

Dell wasn’t the only player with Alabama football roots lost to injury by the Texans on Saturday: Former Davidson High School standout Jimmie Ward sustained a midfoot sprain that required surgery. The safety had moved to slot corner with Jalen Pitre out for the season because of a pectoral injury.

Houston moved former American Christian School standout Kamari Lassiter from outside corner to the slot after Ward went down.

“Two great guys, great players,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said about Dell and Ward. “We’ll miss them dearly. They meant a lot to our team. We know we have a lot to pick up losing those two guys. But those guys will attack the rehab the right way, and they’ll be back in due time.”

On Wednesday, the Ravens and Texans play at 3:30 p.m. CST at NRG Stadium in Houston after the Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers square off at noon at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Jasper teen dies day after car hits pothole, crashes into concrete bridge rail

A Jasper teen died the day after the car they were driving Saturday struck a pothole and left the road before hitting a concrete bridge rail in Walker County, authorities said Tuesday.

The 18-year-old victim, whose name was not publicly released, was driving a 2011 Nissan Sentra around 9:50 p.m. Saturday on Whitehouse Road near Industrial Parkway near Jasper when the vehicle struck a pothole, according to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey.

After the initial impact, the car left the road and then struck a concrete bridge rail.

The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt during the crash, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

On Sunday, the teen died of their injuries, Bailey said.

The crash, about a mile south of Jasper, remained under investigation Tuesday.

Further information was unavailable.

General

Christmas Eve double shooting leaves 2 women dead in Lee County; suspect in custody

Two women are dead following a double shooting on Christmas Eve in Lee County.

Lee County sheriff’s deputies responded to the shooting Monday on Highway 29 North near Lee County Road 2113 in Beulah, WTVM reported.

Efforts by AL.com to reach the sheriff’s office were unsuccessful.

As of 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, the Lee County Coroner’s Office said they had not been dispatched to a death investigation.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told WTVM that the suspected shooter is in custody.

Further information was unavailable.

General

Former South Alabama running back Fluff Bothwell headed to SEC school

Fluff Bothwell is headed to the SEC.

The former South Alabama running back has committed to Mississippi State, he announced on Tuesday. Bothwell rushed for 832 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games as a true freshman in 2024, and has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Bothwell made the announcement via Instagram:

The 5-foot-10, 219-pound Bothwell split time in the South Alabama backfield with junior Kentrel Bullock, but still led the Sun Belt Conference in rushing touchdowns and finished seventh in yards. He had four 100-yard games and five multi-touchdown games, earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors.

Bothwell is the third former South Alabama player in this cycle to announce he’s transferring to a Power 4 conference program, along with kicker Laith Marjan (Kansas) and defensive back Jordan Scruggs (West Virginia). Running back Braylon McReynolds, defensive end Jordan Norman and defensive backs Brian Dillard, Amarion Fortenberry and Rickey Hyatt have also entered the portal, but have not yet announced their destinations.

A two-time all-state pick at Oneonta High School, Bothwell rushed for 5,145 yards and 72 touchdowns over his final two prep seasons. Despite that production, his only FBS offers out of high school were South Alabama, Jacksonville State, Navy and Eastern Michigan.

Bothwell joins a Mississippi State team that finished 2-10 overall and 0-8 in the SEC in 2024 under first-year coach Jeff Lebby. Davon Booth, the Bulldogs’ leading rusher with 759 yards and five touchdowns this past season, was a senior.

South Alabama finished 7-6 in 2024, beating Western Michigan 30-23 in the Salute to Veterans Bowl in Montgomery on Dec. 14.

General

Morgan County sheriff no longer says man with fake gun killed by deputies fired at them

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is no longer maintaining that a suspect killed by deputies fired at the officers after the investigation revealed that the man was holding a fake gun when he was fatally shot.

The suspect, identified Tuesday by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation as 41-year-old Decatur resident Drew Patterson Banks, was shot dead by deputies following a vehicle chase.

Priceville officers tried to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Banks was driving, which was reported stolen, according to the SBI.

The driver refused to stop and a chase ensued with Morgan County sheriff’s deputies assisting the Priceville officers.

The pursuit ended at Thompson Road and Byrd Road in Morgan County, when Banks allegedly exited the vehicle “with what appeared to be a handgun,” according to the SBI.

“Upon further investigation, it was determined that the firearm was a full-sized replica of a Sig Sauer 1911 semiautomatic handgun,” the agency said.

Banks was then fatally shot.

No officers were injured.

In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office initially said Monday that “the subject shot at deputies, who returned fire.”

On Tuesday, the office edited its post to say “the subject pointed a firearm, later determined by ALEA Investigators to be a replica handgun, at Deputies and Officers, who returned fire.”

The post no longer makes any mention of Banks firing at officers.