christmas – The Portland Press Herald

Maine Christmas tree harvest expected to be strong, despite lengthy drought

by Gillian Graham October 14, 2025October 15, 2025

Newly planted trees are more susceptible to the monthslong dry spell, causing an increase in mortality rates for saplings. But farmers say the older trees that will be for sale this holiday season are doing well.

Times Record

A bit of irony from the Christmas story

by The Rev. Dr. Kharma R. Amos Spirit of Life December 22, 2024December 22, 2024

A supreme height of irony this Christmas season is that some who are celebrating the birth of a poor, unhoused, Middle Eastern refugee (i.e. Jesus) are nearly foaming at the mouth calling for the deportation of our immigrant neighbors. And of course, the irony gets even thicker when we consider that the soapbox upon which […]

Food, Recipes

Baked brie with pepper jam shows why the classic is a classic

by Aaron Hutcherson The Washington Post December 22, 2024December 17, 2024

No, there’s nothing new about baked brie. But sometimes novelty is overrated. There’s a reason that, per Google Trends, interest in the dish spikes annually during December: Baked brie is eye-catching, deliciously decadent and shockingly easy to prepare, all the makings of a holiday-party star. Traditionally enjoyed as an appetizer, baked brie can also be […]