“S” Is For Southern Christmas Show

The phone rang. It was my friend Ben Kinney, who also happens to be the publisher of SouthPark Magazine. The conversation went something like this:

Ben: "I'm putting together a top-5 list about this year's Southern Christmas Show for the magazine. Want to meet up at their Preview Night? "

Phil: "Will there be strudel?"

Ben: "Probably."

Phil: "See you there."

As always, the Southern Christmas Show is dressed to impress. There's so much to see and try and taste and buy. You really need two days to take it all in, which is why I'll be going back to the Park Expo with my wife this week. But Ben and I did our best to see as much as we could within two hours.

At the end of the evening, Ben had his list and I had mine. Borrowing a page from Sesame Street, my list is brought to you by the letter "S."

Shopping - After a few hours at the Southern Christmas Show, you'll be able to cross plenty of names of your Christmas list. Good luck getting out of there without a few things for yourself, too.

Sauce - You'll find all sorts of "sauce" for sale at the Southern Christmas Show, from barbecue sauce to hot sauce to North Carolina wines.

Snow Globes - Look for the 'Mark's Christmas' booth. These illuminated, self-shaking snow globes are mesmerizing.

Soup - Darby Creek is at the Southern Christmas Show every year selling delicious soup and dip mixes. Their zesty tortilla soup is a big hit in my house.

Santa - His photo sleigh is even sponsored by the Shriners. Another "S!" Shouldn't Santa be wearing a fez?

Strudel - I saved the best for last. Good old Helmut never disappoints.

The 52nd annual Southern Christmas Show runs through Sunday, November 24th at the Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte. Find more information HERE.