Christmas News from Around the Country

There were several bits of Christmas news when I browsed the Internet this weekend. 

We will start our journey this week in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Elaine Bowman has set up a permanent Christmas tree in her living room made from a column from the old Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading that she found in an antique store. Read Elaine's story here.

Our next stop is in Madison County, Virginia, where the county school board has just approved to change the name of  "Winter Break" in the draft 2024-2025 school calendar to "Christmas Break." You can read about the controversial decision here. 

We then stop in New York, New York, where Cinemablend has reported Hallmark is in production for a sequel to the 2022 holiday movie, Three Wise Men and a Baby. Titled, Three Wiser Men and a Boy, this movie takes place five years after the events of the first movie. You can read more here. 

Finally, we will travel to Alaska for some tragic news out of Anchorage. Jason Tolstrup, who has lit the decorated spruce along Glenn Highway since 2005, died in a dirt bike accident last week. You can read more about Tolstrup's dedication to keeping the landmark glowing here. 

Mario Lopez Filming Christmas Movie in Long Grove, IL for Great American Media

Mario Lopez is shooting a Great American Media Christmas movie in Long Grove, IL. Currently, titled My Grown Up Christmas Wish, Lopez plays the role of the mayor of Long Grove, which is the actual name of the town.

 

According to the interview between the real mayor of Long Grove and WGN News, this is the fourth Christmas movie to be shot in historic downtown Long Grove. You can check out their website at www.longgrove.org

Christmas in April in Prince George’s Country, Maryland

 

Photo credit: Christmas in April website

While searching for a topic to write about for Christmas in April, I came across a website for a non-denominational volunteer organization that repairs the homes of senior citizens who are low-income and/or physically challenged. The name of this organization is Christmas in April.

Their website states: "Since 1989, we have repaired more than 2,886 Homes with the help of 95,900 volunteers. We have done over $51.2 million dollars worth of free home repair."   

Isn't that amazing? That's what I call embracing the Christmas spirit and thinking of others. Their next Christmas in April Day is scheduled for April 27, 2024. You'll find a variety of ways to volunteer or you can donate to their cause. 

Winter Weather in March

 Just when you think spring is here, Mother Nature does this...

 

 

The snow looks lovely (some online photos), but news reports state that tens of thousands are without power in New Hampshire. Hoping power is restored for everyone soon. 

Next weekend is Easter for Catholics and Protestants, and New England's weather can be unpredictable when Easter is this early. Right now, the extended weather report shows it will be in the mid-50's. Fingers crossed that it stays that way.

I recall Easter week in 1982, when a blizzard hit New England and dumped between one and two feet of snow five days before Easter Sunday. Needless to say, Pépère's azalea bush was not in bloom. 

When is the latest you recall snow in your area? 

Self-Help Books That Make Great Christmas Gifts

The holiday season is often a time to discover new self-help material that will assist in setting those New Year's goals/intentions/promises we set. Here are a few I could recommend.

Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert shows how the Ingallses' pioneering spirit can still apply to life today. This humorous life advice book offers ways to create more balance, wellness, and fun in your daily life.

This isn't really a self-help book, but I felt it a good addition to the list. Finding Faith by Chet Galaska is a guide to what faith in God means. The author is a former atheist, who wrote a book for the common person without the complex theology and language you sometimes find in these books. This would be a great book for a person wondering if they wish to explore Christianity further. 

For those seeking to hone their time management skills and make the most of their days, Time Management in an Instant by Keith Bailey & Karen Leland is a choice I could recommend.

If you're looking for a book to teach you how to start a conversation and connect with others, I recommend Small Talk by Diane Weston. 

Have you read any of these? What are self-help books you recommend as gifts?

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom Winter Experience Opens in Nov 2024

 

Two days ago, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park announced they will open in the winter for their first-ever Christmas experience. You can check out the below news announcement discussing what is planned, like the one million lights, festive activities, and the 175' snow tubing hill.

Three Things to Do in March to Help Prepare for Christmas

 

We have just entered the last month of the first quarter of 2024. Did that go by quickly or what? There are only 271 days until Black Friday, the typical start to the holiday shopping season. 

Part of why holidays can seem so stressful is that we try to jampack so many activities into the last two months of the year. Tackling holiday preparation a little at a time can reduce the stress and allow you to enjoy the holidays more. 

Here are some March tips. 

Shop Sales

For years now, I've trusted things like after-Christmas sales to stock up on supplies early. That keeps me from rushing around in November to buy lights, cards, wrapping paper, etc. Current, a direct marketing company that helps people keep in touch with family and friends, is running an After-Christmas sale with deals up to 75% off*. 

Here are a few other places to save:

• Christianbook.com has a last chance bargain section where you can find deals up to 80% off*. 
• LTD Commodities is still selling Christmas merchandise on their website*. 
• You can also check out Etsy.com for some unique goods. 
• If you are visiting your local store, check out their clearance section for slippers, scarves, hats, and mittens, which are often great gifts.

Make Your Crafting Plan

If you're making gifts this year, March is a good time to put together your plans and inventory your supplies. JOANN Fabric and Craft is the closest store to us, so I shop there. Back when I had more time, I would check out their clearance racks for cheap crafts to entertain the kids while I was working on my own handmade items. HOBBY LOBBY has some Christmas on clearance on their site*. 

Update Your Address Book

Whether you have a spreadsheet or a book that you tuck away with your latest batch of holiday cards, now is a good time to update the addresses for anyone who moved. This is one reason I save the envelopes from the cards. That way, I can check the return address on each envelope and update my list before the holidays kick off. 

What are some early preparations you make for the holidays?

* This information is accurate as of today.