The holiday issue of Salisbury the Magazine, a publication of the Salisbury Post, has a traditions theme, but how could it not when it comes to the holidays?

This edition features a story about “The Nutcracker” and its annual production by the Piedmont Dance Theatre and Salisbury Symphony. For many Rowan Countians, it’s not Christmas until they’ve seen “The Nutcracker.”

You’ll also read about the 25th year of First Baptist Church’s production and gift to the community of the “Living Christmas Tree.” In addition, the magazine looks back at all 24 Christmas Honor Cards designed by local artists in support of Rowan Helping Ministries.

A generation of children and grandchildren have attended he RoBoJo Theatre, created many years ago by children’s librarian Robert Jones, who is the holiday issue’s “Rowan Original.”

Every Christmas, Roy and Norma Campbell decorate virtually every room of their historic house in Milford Hills, and they lovingly share it with neighbors — and this year, with the magazine.

In the food department, you’ll find great recipes for chess pie, pecan pie and a cranberry crisp – all good for Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts. The magazine also takes a trip to a sort of non-traditional place — the new Grievous Gallery on East Council Street, where it’s OK to smash things.

It’s a great spot to take out your holiday frustrations.

Jeanie and Jack Moore tell us how their “Toys for Takeout” evolved over the past dozen years from a dinner for friends, family and colleagues to an event that also collects many toys for children in need.

The holiday issue of Salisbury the Magazine has reached subscribers and been distributed to many parts of Rowan County. It also is available at the circulation desk of the Salisbury Post, where you can sign up for yearly subscriptions.

Subscription cards are in the magazine, too. Salisbury the Magazine is published nine times a year.

— Mark Wineka