Twas the Night before Christmas, and all Orange County
Did pause to reflect on another year’s bounty.
They all raised their drinks (whether virgin or boozy),
And toasted each other, “Well, that was a doozy.”

We started off swell in two thousand fourteen,
From the Boro of Carr to the Dome named for Dean,
And then roller-coastered our way through the year –
No wonder we’re all in the mood for some cheer!

As soon as it seemed like the year had got going,
One Wednesday it simply refused to stop snowing.
The cars inched along (or gave up) as it snowed;
The roads looked like something right out of The Road.

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A second storm followed: political ads.
On Hagan! On Tillis! They piled up in scads.
And locally, after the fuss had died down,
We finally had a new Sheriff in town!

Three phrases provoked disagreement, not boredom:
“Form-based code,” and “Renewal” and “Ephesus-Fordham.”
Then a judge brought rejoicing to (most of) the polity
By ruling in favor of marriage equality.

For Carol and Bubba, a year under fire,
With Wainstein’s report raising questions and ire.
Here’s hoping the new year will bring a display
Of peace and good will from the NCAA…

Brice Johnson reacts with Joel James against ECU (Todd Melet)

McCants notwithstanding, each Tar Heel heart seeks
For Coach Roy and Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks,
Marcus Paige and the rest to embark on a journey
That ends up in April with winning the tourney.

And now, as we gather ‘round tree or menorah,
Let’s all give a cheer for Coach Larry Fedora.
His defense was dismal, his offense adroit,
But they still routed Duke, and they still have Detroit!

Though the year has been bumpy, all’s well that ends well.
Chapelboro.com, WCHL,
And all of us wish you, our audience dear,
Merry Christmas, and here’s to a better New Year!