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Miles of What?!... Santa Secrets & Madison’s Tax Debate

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The Madison Memo

The Madison Memo

Miles of What?!... Santa Secrets & Madison’s Tax Debate

Miles of What?!... Santa Secrets & Madison’s Tax Debate
From Galaxy of Lights to Harvest Moon dining, this week’s Madison Memo is packed with sparkle, updates and festive fun. Plus: Can you legally light a fire pit?

The Madison Memo

Dec 7, 2025

 
 
 

Trivia Question❓

How much miles of extension cords were used for this years Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Gardens?

 

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

 
 
 
Madison city leaders are discussing how an internet sales tax program is costing the city millions in revenue.

The program, designed to collect sales taxes from online purchases, has resulted in lost revenue for Madison as the funds are not being distributed properly.

Local officials are investigating the issue and brainstorming solutions to ensure the city receives the appropriate tax revenue from online sales.

Read More...
 
 
 

Here’s a look at the 7-day weather forecast for Madison, AL:

 

... What do you call Santa when he takes a break?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


...Santa Pause. 🥁

 

What You Need to Know About Alabama's Burn Law This Season

Q: Can I legally use a fire pit in Madison during fall and winter?
Yes! Small recreational fires, such as those in backyard fire pits or outdoor fireplaces, are generally allowed year-round in Madison... as long as they're used safely and don’t create a nuisance. Make sure your fire pit is at least 15 feet away from structures and never leave it unattended.

 

Q: What is Alabama’s Burn Ban, and does it apply in the winter?
Alabama enforces a statewide Burn Ban (Fire Alert) typically from May 1 to October 31 in certain counties. However, even outside those dates, permits may be required for larger burns (like brush or debris). During droughts or dry spells, the Alabama Forestry Commission can issue temporary restrictions any time of year... even in winter.

 

Q: Do I need a permit to burn yard debris in colder months?
Yes, if you're burning anything larger than a small pile, you may need a burn permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission. For small fires on your private property that are kept under control, no permit is usually required... but always check current alerts at forestry.alabama.gov before lighting up.

 

Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon sits inside the newly opened Trilogy Hotel Huntsville. With a farm‑to‑table concept, the restaurant draws on seasonal, locally‑sourced ingredients to craft dishes that reflect Alabama’s agricultural heritage... all served in a modern, elegant space with large windows overlooking downtown and a warm, inviting design. 

 

Harvest Moon’s menu leans toward elevated Southern and seasonal cuisine. Dishes rotate with availability and seasonality, but you can expect offerings like seasonal hush‑puppy fritters, fresh scallop crudo, mushroom ravioli, pork belly and salmon for dinner.

 

They have a balanced wine, beer and cocktail selection to match the meal and vibe. 

 

Breakfast is daily from 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM and Dinner on Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 - 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM. 


Price-wise, expect a mid-to-upscale dining experience. 

 

For folks living in or around Madison, it’s a short ride away and a great pick when you want something a bit special.


Whether you’re craving a relaxing breakfast, a stylish dinner or want to show out for a weekend evening... Harvest Moon might just become one of your new favorites.

 

 

🌐 Website

 

707 Monroe Street SW

Huntsville, AL 35801

 

📍Open In Google Maps

 

(256) 489-2080

 

Who Said Santa Was...

That jolly image of Santa Claus that’s everywhere this time of year... chubby, cheerful, dressed in red and white... wasn’t always the standard. In fact, Coca‑Cola helped shape the modern look of Santa we know today. 


In 1931, Coca‑Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to create a more relatable, human Santa... one who might just enjoy a Coke while delivering presents. 


Inspired by an earlier poem describing St. Nick (A Visit from St. Nicholas ... often called “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”) and earlier artistic traditions, Sundblom painted Santa as a warm, plump, grandfatherly figure with rosy cheeks, a white beard and the iconic red suit trimmed with white fur.

 

While versions of Santa wearing red and white existed before, Sundblom’s Coke‑era Santa became so popular... thanks to magazine ads, billboards and mass distribution... his image gradually became the gold standard worldwide for how Santa should look. 

 

If you haven't already visited Atlanta, GA, they have the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium which would be a great holiday getaway.

 

 

I Think It's Time To Convert

I've used PCs my whole entire life and there's not a day where I get pop-ups or virus quarantine warnings. So I finally switched to a high end MacBook Pro and it was just too much for just browsing the web and doing word and excel. So I ended up finally picking up a MacBook Air and it was still more than enough. If you ever thought about it, nows the time. Save $250 now.

 

 

If you missed last weeks deals on team jerseys...

Check It Out Here

 

What did you think about the SEC Championship yesterday?

 
 

We Want to Spotlight Your Business

If you have a local business and would love to be featured in our newsletter, you can connect with us here.

 

Want more visibility to your business, create your free account here.

 

Thank you to the businesses that have taken us up on the Pro Accounts. Y'all can still sign up with Starter Accounts.

 

 

Download Your Wallet Size Madison Memo Quick Contact Card

 

 Madison County Quick Contact Card

 

Limestone County Quick Contact Card

 

Have You Started Listening To Christmas Music?

Listen to Them Here

Thank you for being a valued subscriber and neighbor in our community!

 

Don't forget to share our newsletter link with your neighbors at

https://themadisonmemo.com

 

We appreciate any suggestions or recommendations you may have, so feel free to reply to this email with your feedback.

 

We also have sections for recipes, job opportunities, events and much much more that we'll be rolling out in the future. So stay tuned!

 

If you have read this far, you may wonder why there isn't any news about tragic events, hate and terrible crimes and it's because there is just too much of that everywhere else. We want this newsletter to bring you kind awareness and also to help spread joy and information on your Sunday!

 

Thank you for your support

- Robert

 
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

15 Miles

 
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