🌱 Patch AM: Why Franklin’s beloved Barbara’s Home Cookin’ is closing after 30 years

Coffee in hand, Franklin? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why Franklin’s beloved Barbara’s Home Cookin’ is closing after 30 years
• See the Franklin newborns turning heads in tiny Santa outfits
• How many Franklin kids can you spot in these vintage Santa photos?

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: A shower; breezy in the a.m., with a high of 63 and low of 57 degrees.
• Wednesday: Mist; foggy, then cloudy, temps: high: 70, low: 57.
• Thursday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 70 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• After Almost 30 Years, Barbara's Home Cookin' in Franklin Announces Closure (williamsonsource.com) — Franklin diners are losing a beloved staple: Barbara's Home Cookin' will permanently close on December 31, 2025, after nearly 30 years in town. Known for its fried chicken, Friday catfish, and classic meat-and-three plates, the Old Hillsboro Road spot is asking the community to keep its longtime staff in mind for future job opportunities.
   

• EMS worker crochets Santa outfits for newborns in TN (wsmv.com) — Two newborns at Williamson Health in Franklin recently arrived in style, dressed in hand-crocheted Santa and Mrs. Claus outfits made by Williamson EMS team member Debi Reynolds. The festive photo of the babies has even made it onto a local billboard, spreading extra holiday cheer around Franklin and highlighting the creativity of a local first responder.
   

• Nashville Then: Children's holiday moments with Santa in stores and malls (tennessean.com subscription) — Franklin families will recognize plenty of familiar scenes in this nostalgic photo tour of kids visiting Santa at CoolSprings Galleria, Kmart in Franklin, and Nashville‑area malls from the 1960s through 2020. The piece traces how local children’s holiday traditions, outfits, and even Santa’s setup have changed over the decades while keeping the same excitement of sharing Christmas wishes.
   

📸 Around Franklin

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• Pedro Card Game
  Bethesda Branch Library , 4905 Bethesda Road , Thompson's Station
  1:00 pm
• Holly Jolly Festival of Lights at Lucky Ladd Farms
  Lucky Ladd Farms , 4306 Rocky Glade Rd , Eagleville
  5:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Offices Closed - Christmas Eve
  La Vergne, TN Calendar La Vergne, TN 37086
• Breakfast with Santa — Grindstone Cowboy
  Grindstone Cowboy , 115 N Main St Suite C , Eagleville
  9:00 am
• Breakfast with Santa
  Grindstone Cowboy , 115 N Main St Suite C , Eagleville
  9:00 am

Thursday December 25

• Offices Closed - Christmas
  La Vergne, TN Calendar La Vergne, TN 37086
• Connect Spring Hill
  Viking Pizza Company - Spring Hill , 3525 Kedron Rd , Spring Hill
  9:00 am
• Pajama Story Time at Smyrna Library
  Smyrna Public Library , 400 Enon Springs Rd W , Smyrna
  6:15 pm

Friday December 26

• December 26th: CLOSED — Grindstone Cowboy
  Grindstone Cowboy , 115 N Main St Suite C , Eagleville
  12:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• IHS V/G Wrestling Battle for Independence
  Independence High School , 1776 Declaration Way , Thompson's Station
  7:00 am
• BHS wrestling @ Maher/Garstin Invitational
  Independence High School , 1776 Declaration Way , Thompson's Station
  8:00 am
• Cupcake Decorating Workshop - Family Time - Dec 27
  Williamson County Recreation Complex , 7250 Nolensville Rd , Nolensville
  10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Thanks to those who opened their door tonight for our annual Christmas Caroling.
  Our kids are getting older and we probably only have 2-3 more years of doing this but it is such a blessing. First time here in downtown Franklin… (Nextdoor Franklin Rd II)
• Hello!
  Has anyone received a package by mistake on Saturday 20th around 11:37 am for Estefania Parra? (Nextdoor Cool Springs)

• Encompass Health Corp. posted a job opening for Floor Technician in Franklin. Apply here.
• Whole Foods Market, Inc. posted a job opening for In-Store Shopper - Seasonal Part Time in Franklin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Franklin here.

🗞 Nearby News

Brentwood

• Photo of the Day: December 22, 2025 (williamsonsource.com)
• Todd and Julie Chrisley's Son Kyle Arrested on Multiple Charges Months After ‘Chrisley Knows Best' Stars Were Pardoned by President Trump (realtor.com)
• Vanderbilt admits first members of Class of 2030 via early decision I (vanderbilthustler.com)

Nolensville

• Basketball Recap: Nolensville Piles Up the Points Against Lebanon (maxpreps.com)

Spring Hill

Ok Franklin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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