Christmas... in the News - Holiday Lights, Build Snowmen in Phoenix, Seaside Town Christmas in August

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. As we inch closer to Christmas, the mentions increase and the tidbits get more interesting. I guess there is a Christmas horror movie coming out in October. Totally not my thing, but you can look up Terrifier 3 if you enjoy those movies.

Our first stop is in Columbia, South Carolina, where Cola Daily reported that discount tickets for Fireflies Holiday Lights, which is being held at Segra Park, are available. You can read more here. 

Next we travel to Phoenix, Arizona. Travel and tourism journalist Michael Salerno, reporting for azcentral.com, shares the news of a new holiday event titled "Jingle at JW Desert Ridge." The event will run November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025. With ice skating, photos with Santa, a snow play area and more, sounds like this will be a fun time. Check out Salerno's article here. 

Our final stop is in a seaside town on the East Coast of England. The Daily Mail reports that Bridlington, in East Yorkshire, is looking to ramp up tourism by celebrating Bridmas Day on August 7. Visitors can experience a variety of yuletide-themed events. Check out more details here. 

Check in next week for more Christmas... in the news!

Christmas Picture Book Review: One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland

One Wild Christmas by author and illustrator Nicholas Oldland is a delightful, zany, and creative holiday treat for young readers.

A moose, a beaver, and a bear get together to celebrate their favorite time of year. On Christmas Eve they are getting everything together when they realize they have forgotten the tree. So, off to the forest they dash to find the perfect one. But once find it, the bear can't stand the thought of the beautiful tree being harmed. Is there a way to save Christmas?

One Wild Christmas is part Goldilocks, part crazy antics, and part navigating friendship all rolled into one seasonal tale that will leave you with a warm heart and a full smile. Part of Oldland's Life in the Wild series, this book embraces nature with a storyline and artwork that make you feel like you're on an outdoor adventure alongside its animal characters.

If you and your youngsters enjoy seasonal stories with fun artwork and a tiny lesson tucked inside, One Wild Christmas should be on your wish list.

Highly recommended!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kids Can Press; Illustrated edition (September 3, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1525302035
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1525302039
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD590L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2

I downloaded a digital copy through NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas... in the News: GAM Interactive Festival, Hallmark 2024 Ornaments & Maine State Music Theatre 'White Christmas'

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. So many interesting Christmas mentions lately. 

Since I happen to be at my desk on a Saturday, this news is coming a day early. The first bit of news sounds so fun!

People has reported on an announcement from Great American Media. This report shares about this winter's 'Great American Family Christmas Festival,' taking place from November 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. According to Great American Media, fans can expect "movie premieres, shopping, food and drink, photo ops ... and even meet-and-greets with the stars of some of the network's most popular movies." If that isn't enough, how about a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, a crafting village, and live entertainment? 

Since this takes place only 2.5 hours away from me, I really should make plans to go. You can read more about this exciting development by clicking this link. 

Can you ever have too many Christmas ornaments? We Christmas lovers probably don't think so. It seems Hallmark doesn't either. They have released 250 brand new Christmas ornaments this month. I didn't know that the tradition of Hallmark's summer release of their annual ornaments goes back 50 years! See this article in USA Today for more information. 

Our last stop this week is in Maine, where the Maine State Music Theatre is performing Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' through August 3. My sister and I saw a local performance based upon the 1954 movie staring Bing Crosby. I would love to see this one in Maine. You can find out more information and buy tickets here.

See you next week!

Christmas in the News: Hallmark Reality Shows, GAC Movie Lineup, Christmas in July Events, Cambria Christmas Market & Jubilee Decor

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a weekly review of some of the Christmas articles and news over the last week. So many interesting Christmas mentions lately. 

Hallmark Media is adding two new reality series to its lineup. Can't say I am a huge reality TV fan, but there is definitely a market for it. You can check out the article in Parade here. 

Great American Family's 2024 'Great American Christmas' lineup made the news in USWeekly. The lineup sounds amazing. You can read the article here. 

K8 News out of Arizona covered the Jonesboro Market Bliss event that took place yesterday. Have to admit that Christmas in July gets me in the mood to start decorating. My cats would enjoy the trees longer. LOL! You can read about Market Bliss here. 

The Tribune reported on the the Cambria Christmas Market in the county of San Luis Obispo can be held for the next 15 years after a push to deny the permit put this popular event in jeopardy. You can read all about it here.

Finally, we make our way to Alabama, where WSFA12 reported on Jubilee Decor, a company whose website says they manufacture and sell commercial Christmas decor for cities and organizations to draw people in and leave them speechless. Sounds like a Christmas movie waiting to happen. You can find out more here.

Christmas in the News: Court Battle over Decorations, Biden Christmas Confusion & Holiday Movie Trailer

 

Welcome back to Christmas... in the news. This is our weekly look at mentions of Christmas in news reports and articles around the world. 

Jeremy Morris has become known as the "Christmas Lawyer." He is currently in a battle with his homeowners association in Hayden, Washington, over his massive Christmas display. This battle has been going on for years. A 2017 decision claiming Morris was discriminated against was overturned, which he appealed. At this point, Morris is considering bringing the case before the Supreme Court. You can read more details here.

The news reported that President Biden experienced a moment of confusion when he addressed a crowd on Independence Day with a "Ho, ho, ho!" A video posted on YouTube shares the moment. I thought he was just working up the crowd, but what do I know? 

CBN reported that The Chosen creator debuted a trailer for his upcoming holiday flick, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This movie is based on the book by the same title. You can read more here.

I'm sure there are more Christmas tidbits from this past week. Pretty soon we will be talking about getting ready for the holidays.