Fall Comes to a Close

Where did all the time go? If you’ve been following along on my journey, it seems like just yesterday that I started as a blogger with my first post detailing the end of my sophomore year. Well, my fall semester has come to a close, and with that, I am now a senior, which feels crazy. Let me recap my last week of my fall semester and junior year for you all:

This week included a LOT of studying for me. This semester I had 4 finals, as well as a few finals projects and presentations that were also completed throughout the last week of classes. My projects included a multimedia pop culture website that contained an audio podcast and blog posts, and a crisis communication case study of the FEMA response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. My respective group mates and I had been working on these projects for weeks leading up to the end of the semester, and it was very rewarding to present them to cap off the semester.

One of the more fun parts of my week was our annual Avion staff holiday party! This tradition always takes place at our last meeting of the fall semester, where we do a staff secret Santa, play Jackbox games, eat Christmas cookies, and celebrate our successful semester that we had! As an avid mac and cheese and Target fan, I loved the Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese (from the brand new store in Daytona!!!) and Target Gift Card that I got in secret Santa.

Another fun way to destress from finals week was in the weather lab, where the student chapter of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association (AMS/NWA) on campus provided Raising Cane’s as a study snack! I loved getting to help organize this for everyone, and it was a resounding success!

Finals week just flew by this year, and come January 1, it will be my graduation year. But for now, you’ve still got a year more of blogs coming your way! I hope your end of the semester went smoothly, and that you are settling into a relaxing winter break.

Victorian Christmas


Hey y’all!
With Christmas right around the corner, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite holiday traditions, Thomasville, Georgia’s Victorian Christmas. If you’ve ever been to Thomasville during the holidays, you know how special it is. And if you haven’t, this is your sign to put it on your Christmas bucket list.


A Little Holiday Magic
Every year during Victorian Christmas, downtown Thomasville completely transforms. The brick streets, historic buildings, and twinkling lights make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Hallmark movie. People dress in Victorian-style clothing, carolers sing classic Christmas songs, and the whole town just feels warm and festive.


It’s one of those events that instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit, no matter how busy or stressed you’ve been.


The Atmosphere Makes It
What I love most about Victorian Christmas is the atmosphere. It’s not rushed or overwhelming. People are just walking around, laughing, and enjoying the moment. There’s music playing, lights everywhere you look, and something happening on almost every corner.


It’s the kind of place where you can grab a warm drink, wander through downtown, and forget about everything else for a little while.


Supporting Local Businesses
Another reason this event is so special is how it brings the community together. Local shops stay open late, windows are decorated, and restaurants are packed with people grabbing dinner or dessert. It’s the perfect time to shop local and support small businesses while getting into the holiday spirit.


A Tradition Worth Keeping
Victorian Christmas has always felt like one of those traditions that never gets old. Whether you’ve been going for years or it’s your first time, it still feels magical. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and exactly what the holiday season should feel like.


Final Thoughts
Thomasville’s Victorian Christmas is more than just an event. It’s a reminder to slow down, enjoy the little things, and really take in the season. If you ever get the chance to go, take it. You won’t regret it.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland