DECEMBER 2018 * VOL. 74, NO. 12 10 See page 10 for more events around Georgia. 16 Being Santa Claus A calling to keep the magic alive. By Pamela A. Keene 20 Nuts about fruitcake COURTESY SECOND LIFE CHIEF LEE PARKER, CITY OF PERRY FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES Contents 28 COURTESY "CRAZY GOOD TURNS" It's no joke: Claxton is the Fruitcake Capital of the World. By Victoria Scharf DeCastro 24 The power of story 'Crazy Good Turns' podcast inspires listeners, one tale at a time. By Laura Raines AX TO Buford resident Derek Dugan embodies the spirit of Santa Claus 365 days a year. Among his many holiday commitments, he will portray Santa at Lake Lanier Islands' Magical Nights of Lights in Buford through Jan. 6. (Photo by Jennifer Keyes.) CL On the cover SY Thrift stores support nonprofits while offering unusual wares. By Amy Schneider 24 E COURT 28 Shop for a cause N 4 6 8 10 14 22 BA KE RY INC . 20 MAILBOX PICTURE THIS? GEORGIA NEWS CALENDAR OF EVENTS CURRENTS MY GEORGIA 32 AROUND GEORGIA Georgia's bucket-list destinations 38 GEORGIA COOKS Sephardic cooking celebrates its unique heritage 42 SNAPSHOT Joys of the holidays www.georgiamagazine.org 3http://www.georgiamagazine.org