Though many researchers and scientists believe our Christmas gift from Wuhan, China arrived stateside late last year, it didn't start making us feel feverish with delight or hacking up a lung or any of the asymptomatic versions of the novel coronavirus until later in 2020. And now, a holiday season later, COVID-19 is everywhere, more omnipresent than holiday lights, Santa Claus imagery, or Christmas music in hot spots dotting a majority of our 50 states, impacting the old and the young, majority and minority communities, and even mutating across the pond into a potentially more virulent and contagious strain.

With so many outstanding submissions to choose from it was impossible for Newton County School System Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey to pick just one piece of artwork to feature on her official 2020 holiday card.

As vibrant holiday plants begin to adorn the shelves of hardware stores, grocery stores and garden centers, consumers are attracted to the pinks, reds and whites atop deep green foliage, which add festive pops of color in winter homes.