DECEMBER 2019 * VOL. 75, NO. 12 10 ROCK CITY GARDENS COURTESY TIM CAVENDER Contents 24 midwinter magic 16 The of Jekyll's Island Treasures hunt COURTESY JEKYLL ISLAND AUTHORITY Visitors search to claim one-of-a-kind, blown-glass globes. By Sarah Russell 20 A holiday tradition 24 Keeping Christmas All is merry and bright at events statewide. By Pamela A. Keene 34 On the cover Lilla Simmons dances "The Waltz of the Snowflakes" as part of the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia's 2018 performance at The Grand Opera House in Macon. Simmons will portray Clara in this year's performance. (Photo by Greg Guest.) BOTANICAL INTERESTS Across Georgia, "The Nutcracker" ushers in the season. By Amber Lanier Nagle 16 4 6 8 10 14 27 MAILBOX PICTURE THIS? GEORGIA NEWS CALENDAR OF EVENTS CURRENTS GEORGIA'S ENERGY OUTLOOK 28 AROUND GEORGIA For the towns of Santa Claus and Bethlehem, 'tis always the season 34 GEORGIA GARDENS Gifts for gardeners 36 MY GEORGIA Substitute Santa saves the day 38 GEORGIA COOKS Readers' favorite potluck recipes 42 SNAPSHOT Holiday memories www.georgiamagazine.org 3http://www.georgiamagazine.org