Showing posts with label Christmas in the news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas in the news. Show all posts

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Christmas... in the News: Putting Christmas Away, Women's Christmas in Ireland & Christmas Trees Repurposed to Restore Dunes

 


Welcome to the final edition of Christmas... in the news for Christmas 2025. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week. I'm unsure what weekly feature I will replace this with while Christmas news is scarce, but check in with us next week to find out. 

There are 355 days until Christmas 2026, but we know how quickly those days go by. Have you ever considered a Christmas planner like this digital download one from Etsy? I'm not much of a planner person, but this one seems helpful if you are. 

Now, for the news. Seems like putting Christmas away was on this writer's mind. This is an article that appeared in the TimesNews out of Kingston, Tennessee. The TimesNews indicated in the article that they are partnering with local clergy to share "Words of Comfort." Denise Wooten asks, "...do we really want to 'put Christmas away' in our hearts?" You can read Denise's article here.

Did you know that Ireland has a day for women to celebrate Christmas? Well, you do now. According to Today, "Nollaig na mBan," which means "Women's Christmas," coincides with the Feast of the Epiphany, which Christians celebrate on January 6 to commemorate when the Magi brought gifts to Jesus. Curious to know more about Women's Christmas? Check out the article here. Wouldn't it be neat if we had this tradition in the United States?

In one of the most wonderful examples of repurposing, Gulf State Park in Baldwin County, Alabama, is collecting live Christmas trees to turn them into dunes along the beach. According to WearNews3, this is a community's annual tradition that dates back to 1979! I love this idea. Read more about it here.

Thanks for joining us throughout 2025 as we have brought you snippets of news from around the world. 

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Christmas Celebrations Around the World, Revived Christmas Tradition Goes Viral & Post-Christmas Sales

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

We start this week's post by citing a photo article from PBS News that shares Christmas celebrations around the world. Check out these wonderful images and captions here.

In California, one family went viral when they revived a family tradition to surprise their grandparents. Learn more about this pre-Christmas tradition reported by Fox News here. 

Didn't get the gift you wanted? Have a gift card you're hot to use? Looking to get a head start on next year's shopping? Check out ABC News and Good Morning America's report on post-Christmas sales and gift card tips here.


Monday, December 22, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Spreading Holiday Joy, Holiday Travel & White or Green Christmas

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

How about a bit of Christmas... in the news a day later than usual? We took a trip to New York City yesterday to visit places we haven't seen since before the pandemic. We also took in the refreshed Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Radio City Rockettes. It is always an amazing show, but they have made some changes as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. We had a blast! 

Here is this week's news:

The Post-Independent, based in Colorado, recently reported on how Bryan Larson, a former diplomat, now spends his time spreading holiday joy to children across the Roaring Fork Valley. What a great thing to do! You can read more here.

Yahoo!News shared this article about AAA's recommendation for the best days to hit the road this holiday season, considering a projected record number of people will be traveling. I am grateful that we only have to go about 75 minutes away on Christmas Eve and will be staying home on Christmas Day. For those who will travel, check out AAA's recommendations here. 

ABC News answers what some want to know this time of year: Will there be a white Christmas? Here in the Northeast, we are anticipating a bit of the white stuff. Sounds like there will be record-breaking heat in Texas. How about your area? Check out the article here.

Thanks for sticking with Christmas Year Round in 2025. In a few weeks, the options for Christmas... in the news will thin out. I'm thinking of what 2026 might bring in the months ahead. I'm always open to suggestions. Let me know what you would like to see here. 

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas! 

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Binge-watching 2025 Christmas Films, Best Christmas Movies to Stream This Holiday Season & What Makes for A Great Christmas Song?

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Here we are at Sunday again, and there are only 11 days until Christmas. That doesn't even seem possible, but it's true. 

My house is mildly decorated, all the holiday cards have been addressed, all the shopping is done, and I only have one more package to get into the mail. I'm going easier on myself by not having turkey for Christmas dinner. Instead, I will roast a chicken and bake a small ham. 

Let's check out this week's news. We start with the BBC article titled "Binge-watching 2025's Christmas films: The good, the bad and the so-bad-it's-good." Some of these I am familiar with, but many I didn't know about. Have you seen any of these? Check out the article here.

Deseret News posted this article sharing the "10 Best Christmas Movies to Stream This Holiday Season." I have to admit it is a fabulous list with many great classics. Check it out here.

CBS News seeks to answer the question: "What makes for a great Christmas song?" Interested in their thoughts? Check out the article here.

That's it for the latest edition of Christmas... in the news. Thanks for reading!

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Black Bear Joins Christmas Parade, New Yorker's Ornaments Featured in White House Display & Giant Christmas Tree in Bethlehem

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

How are your holiday plans going? Mine are slowly coming together, but if I don't get a day off pretty soon, the decorations might never make their way up.  Not really, because I always get it together. That's what makes a mom's magic so special. 

We are only 18 days away from Christmas. Gosh, that sure crept up fast. Let's check out some of the latest bits of Christmas news.

What would you do if a black bear wandered into your Christmas parade? Well, that's exactly what happened today in Tennessee. Check out this video on NBC News by clicking here. 

WIVB out of Buffalo reported that a man from Lancaster has dozens of his ornament designs on display at the White House. You can read more of Brandon Koblich's story here. 

Finally, we come to a story that takes place in the town where Jesus was born. Due to the ongoing war in Gaza, no Christmas lights have been lit since 2022. As reported in The Independent, with the ceasefire in its second month, a giant lit Christmas tree now stands in Bethlehem. You can read more here. 

There is always tons of Christmas news this time of year. I hope you find those bright moments as you celebrate the holiday season. 



Sunday, November 23, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Spirit Christmas Locations Open, Christmas Capital of Texas & Most Magical Christmas Towns in America

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! We are now down to only 32 days until Christmas. That's so crazy!!! I swear the year just started. Our outdoor lights are up, and four of the Christmas trees have made it out of the basement. They still need fluffing and lights before we decorate them over the weekend. Let's talk about this week's Christmas news.

USA Today reports that all Spirit Christmas locations are now open. Can't say I really go there, but both Massachusetts locations are 90 minutes away from me. Do you have a Spirit Christmas near you? Check out the article, which lists locations, here. 

MYSA, short for My San Antonio, featured an article about the town of Grapevine, which is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas. They host hundreds of holiday events over 40 days. Check out the details and some festive photos here.

Have you ever wondered where the most magical Christmas towns are in America? I sure do. You will find a list at Country Living, and Rochester's News-Talk KROC is thrilled to share why Red Wing, Minnesota, made the list. Check a list of seasonal events taking place in Red Wing here. 

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!



Sunday, November 16, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Best Christmas Markets for a Getaway, Old-Fashioned Christmas Traditions Needing A Comeback & Christmas Lights in Paris

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Hey! It's Sunday again. And guess what? There are only 39 days until Christmas! I am behind, so please look for the November to-do list, which will be available tomorrow. Being a working girl isn't always fun. 

In case you're planning a holiday getaway, The Independent is sharing "Ten of the world's best Christmas markets for the perfect festive getaway." Germany, Austria, France, and more are featured in this seasonal article. Check it out here. 

Do you miss some of the past Christmas traditions? Southern Living does. Check out their article titled, "12 Old-Fashioned Christmas Traditions that Deserve A Comeback." You can read it here. Can you guess which is my favorite?

The AP reported that today, the Christmas lights were turned on at Paris’ Champs-Elysées. Check out the great photo here. 

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Story of This Year's Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Toys for Tots Save & Christmas in the Wild

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

How is it Sunday again? There are only 46 days until Christmas! This weekend, I got the garden ready for winter, planted the garlic and the tulip and crocus bulbs, and asked my husband to bring up the family room Christmas tree. We will decorate it when the youngest comes home from college for Thanksgiving, but it takes me time to fluff it out. 

This week's news starts in New York, where Today reported on this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Widow Judy Russ talks about how her husband dreamed of the day their Norway spruce would make its way to Rockefeller Center. It is such a touching story. Please read it here. 

Then we travel to Montgomery County, Maryland, where WTOP News reported their local Toys for Tots was gifted a free warehouse for the season, which prevented this year's toy drive from being canceled. Check out this heartwarming story here.

Finally, we make our way to Tampa, Florida, where NewsChannel 8 reported that "Christmas in the Wild" is returning to ZooTampa. Visitors will see ZooTampa transformed into a "glowing wonderland featuring unforgettable entertainment, larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, delicious seasonal food, and interactive experiences." To read the full article, please click here. 

That's it for this week's Christmas... in the news. Hope you have a great week!



Sunday, November 2, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Florist Selected to Decorate White House, Christmas Movies on Netflix in November & Magical Christmas Markets in Europe

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! We are 53 days away from Christmas! Who has their Christmas tree up already? Thanks to my work schedule, I barely had any fall decorations up, but now there will be less to put away to make the switch to my Christmas decorations. 

Today, we start our news in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where K8 NEWS reported that local florist Zach Jones, owner of Bearded Bouquet, has been selected as the florist to decorate the White House for Christmas. Congratulations to Zach and the Bearded Bouquet! Want to read more? Click here. 

Ready for Christmas movies? THEWRAP shared a list of Netflix originals and modern hits that are streaming in November. Check out the list here. 

For our last stop, we will travel across the world to Europe, where Hungary joins Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic to offer magical Christmas markets. Travel and Tour World reports that winter wonderlands await you, outlining what each country has to offer. Have you ever traveled to Europe? Would you like to spend Christmas there? Check out the entire article here. 

That's it for this week. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!


Sunday, October 26, 2025

Christmas... in the News: The Tabernacle Choir Reveals Guest Artists, Sharing Christmas Store & Pottery Barn Traditional Christmas Decor

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! We are 60 days away from the big day. Are you getting ready?

This week, we start with music. Deseret News reported this week that the Tabernacle Choir has announced its guest artists, and for the first time in their 20-plus-year history, they have a married couple. Want to know more? Click here.

Ever heard of the Sharing Christmas Store? KELOLAND reported that The Community Outreach out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is committed to making Christmas more affordable by running a toy drive to fill their store and allow qualifying families to buy gifts at a reduced cost. You can read more here.

Woman & Home shared Pottery Barn's festive new Christmas collection for those looking for a traditional Christmas vibe. Check it out here.

That's it for this week. Hope you enjoyed this week's Christmas... in the news.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods Returns, Best New Christmas Decor at Walmart & Christmas Music on The Wave

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Every week, we love bringing you Christmas news from around the nation and around the world. And guess what? There are only 74 days left until Christmas!!! It's a good thing my yard is finally decorated for fall. Before we know it, we will be stringing Christmas lights. 

Today, we start our news journey in Ohio. WKBN First News 27 reported on this weekend's return of the Old-fashioned Christmas in the Woods annual holiday craft fair. With live entertainment, food, and over 200 vendors, it sounds like a great time. Looks like it will also be running next weekend. Check out the article here.

Leah Barrett at BestLife.com is sharing some of the best new Christmas decor items at Walmart for 2025. I love the wreath. Check out Barrett's list here. Do you agree with her picks?

If you are ready for Christmas music, Salt Lake City's 103.1 The Wave started playing Christmas tunes this past Tuesday. Sounds like they are eager to spread some early holiday cheer. Check out the article here.

That's it for this week's Christmas... in the news. Look for our October task list to prepare for the holidays coming soon. 

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Rhode Island Sea Glass Tree, Salvation Army Expecting Greater Need for Christmas Assistance & Mesquite Toes Dance Troupe Annual Show

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! Here we are on the first Sunday of October, and there are only 81 days left before Christmas. How did we get here so quickly? Once we are no longer in triple digits, it seems we speed faster than NASA's Parker Solar Probe into the holiday season. 

Today's news starts in Westport, Massachusetts, with NBC affiliate 10 WJAR reporting on a Tiverton, Rhode Island, man who has created an outdoor Christmas tree made with thousands of pieces of sea glass. John Viverios considers himself a Christmas guy. There are photos of this tree lit up, which looks amazing. Check out the article here. 

15 WANE out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, features an article from the Allen County Salvation Army, where Corps Officer Dena Smith says they are expecting to help between 100 and 200 more families than they did in 2024. According to the article, applications open on October 6 and run through October 10. Read the report here.

Mesquite Local News reports that the Mesquite Toes Dance Troupe’s Annual Christmas Show is returning. “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays” takes place on December 5 and 6. For more details and box office hours, please visit here.

That wraps up another great week of Christmas news. Enjoy your week!

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Spirit Christmas, Magic Kingdom Christmas Ornaments & Great American Family's 2025 Holiday Movie Schedule

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

I'll have to backdate this post to Sunday. It has been such a crazy, but wonderful, weekend. The youngest was home from college. Most of us went to The Big E. I spent time in the kitchen baking. We ate a lot of junk food, but the memories are priceless. 

October is almost here, so the holiday spirit is taking over. My Christmas cards were ordered and arrived last week. Thoughts of my Christmas letter happenings are rambling through my head. I'm considering what treats I want to make. This year is flying by. And there are only 88 days until Christmas. Once you are fewer than a hundred days, the holidays creep up on you.

This week, we have such fun Christmas news. SCRIPPS NEWS reported that Spirit Halloween, which is a Halloween pop-up store, is increasing the number of Spirit Christmas locations to 30 this year. Launched in 2024 with just 10 stores in the Northeast, in 2025, they are expanding to the Midwest. Check out the full article here. 

WDW News Today dedicated a portion of its September 27, 2025, article to talking about the dozens of new Christmas ornaments at the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. Want to read more? Check it out here. 

Probably the most exciting news--to me anyway--is US Weekly's announcement of the release of this year's Great American Family's "Great American Christmas” holiday movie lineup. We will see familiar faces like Candace Cameron Bure, Mario Lopez, Danica McKellar, and Jesse Hutch. You can find more information about the movie plots here.

This little elf is beat, so she is signing off for the night. Enjoy your week!


Sunday, September 21, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Less Than 100 Shopping Days Until Christmas, Year-Round Christmas Mural & IFC Christmas Rom-Com

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

I am squeaking this update in less than two hours before Sunday ends. Can you believe there are only 95 days until Christmas? The year is really flying by. Let's get to the news. 

The first report is from ABCNEWS LIVE PRIME. This is a video segment about there being fewer than 100 shopping days until Christmas. A research specialist provides the scoop on what to buy now, what to buy later, and consumer sentiment. Watch below:

 

We travel to South Lyon, Michigan, where WXYZ Detroit reports on a new year-round Christmas mural that captures the spirit of the season. It's stunning! Check it out here.

We end up with a FOX News review of the Independent Film Company's romantic comedy, The Baltimorons. According to the article, a failed sketch comic and recovering alcoholic pursues a "normal life" by getting a steady job and settling in with his fiancée. But a freak accident introduces him to a no-nonsense workaholic divorcee. You can imagine some of what happens next, but if you want more details, check out the review here.

That's it for this week. See you again soon!

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Amazon Top 100 Best Christmas Decorations, Arkansas Teen to Star in Hallmark Christmas Movie & Christmas Tree Convention in New Ulm

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Here we are on Sunday again. Hope you had an amazing week. It's time to catch up on the Christmas news that has happened since we last posted. At this time of year, there is more than I have time to share, but enjoy what you see here. These tidbits are posted to spread the Christmas spirit, and I currently don't receive any affiliate income on this blog. 

This first bit of news popped up today at AllEars.net, where JP shared that Amazon has revealed its Top 100 best Christmas decorations. Just thinking about it lets my wallet know it will be a bit lighter after reading the article. Serving platters, outdoor lights, ornaments, and more are on the list. There is also a link to Amazon's entire list. You can read JP's article here.

Next is exciting and inspiring news out of Arkansas, where 5News has reported that a local teen, a cancer and heart failure survivor, will be starring in Hallmark's The More the Merrier during "Countdown to Christmas." You can read more about it here.

Did you know there is a Christmas tree convention? Well, you do now! The Journal has reported on the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association's annual two-day conference, taking place this year at Guggisberg Tree Farm of New Ulm. Owner Tony Guggisberg spoke of the honor of having the convention held on his farm. You can read more here. 

That's it for this week's Christmas... in the news. Check back next week for more Christmas news!

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Holloway Christmas Tree Farm for Sale, Rotary Adopt-A-Family Sign-ups & A Very Jonas Christmas Movie

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! It's that time again--time to share three bits of Christmas news that happened over the last week. There are so many great things going on that it was hard to choose what to offer. 

The first bit of news comes from Nipomo, California. KSBY reports that the longtime owners of Holloway Christmas Tree Farm are looking to sell the farm and retire. Doesn't owning a Christmas tree farm sound like fun? You can read more about Holloway Christmas Tree Farm in the article by clicking here. On a side note, our local tree farm started tree tagging this weekend. 

The Jackson Star & Herald out of West Virginia, reported that sign-ups Ripley Rotary’s Adopt-a-Family program will start early this year, taking place from September 16 - 20. For more information, you can click here. I volunteer for our local Adopt-A-Family program. It's wonderful!

Looks like Disney+ will premiere the latest Jonas Brothers endeavor, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, on November 14. From the Disney+ press room comes the article that shares more about the movie: "Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas face a series of escalating obstacles as they struggle to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families." The brothers are producers on this film. Check out more information and a teaser here. 

One article I didn't share this week was about Noel, Missouri, going back to having year-round holiday decor to boost tourism. The article requires being a paid subscriber to read it. There is a 2024 article about the town. You can read that here. Consider it a Christmas bonus. :) 

Only 109 days left until Christmas! See you next time. 


Sunday, August 31, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Top-Selling Toys, Christmas Music & Kingsport Toy Drive

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! Hope you had a great week. Can you believe it is September tomorrow? There are only 115 days until Christmas.

This week's edition of Christmas... in the news starts off with one of my favorite childhood things: toys! Independent out of the UK says that scented slime and Bluey's Celebration Home will top kids' Christmas lists this year. Check out the article here. 

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that WLDB (93.3) has already switched over to playing Christmas music. How fun is that? Read the article here. Gulf News also states that come September 1, Christmas music will be playing in the Philippines. Check it out here.

Last, but certainly not least, in Kingsport, Tennessee, the Times News reports that Restoration Hope is holding its 100 Kids, 100 Toys annual toy drive. Learn how you can help here. 

Enjoying this weekly segment? Let me know in the comments. Wishing you a fabulous week!


Sunday, August 24, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Robert Moore and Company Closure, Hope to Dream Event & Lady A 'Cozy-Country' Christmas

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! Just one more Sunday before September arrives. Isn't that crazy? Only 123 days until Christmas.

Sad news comes to us from Mobile, Alabama. We shared the impending closure of Robert Moore and Company Christmas Town and Village Collectibles back in May. WKRG5 has reported that today was the last shopping day at the store that had been in business since 1976. You can read about it here. 

WCPO9 out of Cincinnati shares the heartwarming story of the Hope to Dream event, which provided 50 beds to kids in the Tri-State. The event took place at the Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy. Read more here. 

iHeart Country reported that Lady A shared details of their upcoming holiday record, which coincides with their Christmas tour. It is said to have 'cozy-country' spins on numerous holiday classics. Check out the entire article here. 

That's it for this week. Look for another Spotify Christmas playlist coming soon. 

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Christmas... in the News: Christmas in Action Helps Fairborn Homeowners, Unexpected Christmas & Pentatonix "Christmas in the City Tour"

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! I hope you're enjoying your summer—or winter, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere. There are only 130 days until Christmas. That's only 18 weeks!!! 

Christmas news reaches us from Fairborn, Ohio, where a group of volunteers from Christmas in Action visited area homes in need of repairs. You can read all about this organization and its early holiday efforts in this Fairborn Daily Herald article here. 

Variety reported on the upcoming Christmas comedy, Unexpected Christmas, starring Lil Rel Howery and Tabitha Brown. It is set for release on November 7. The movie follows a family as they gather for the holidays, which quickly dissolves into chaos. You can read more here. 

More entertainment news comes to us from Pentatonix, who announced dates for its "Christmas in the City Tour" a few days ago. Eyewitness News 3 out of Connecticut shared that the musical group will perform at the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford on December 6. Tickets go on sale this coming Friday. You can read more here. 

That's it for this week's Christmas... in the news. Enjoy your week!

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Christmas... in the News: First Lady Announces Opening of Christmas Event Applications, Knicks vs Cavaliers on Christmas Day & Best Gifts of 2025

 


Welcome to this edition of Christmas... in the news. This is a review of Christmas articles and news over the last week.

Happy Sunday! Spent the morning harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs from our garden. Though fall is still over a month away, harvesting always makes me think of cooler days and the holidays. Let's talk Christmas news.

The Florida Courier is spreading the word that the First Lady has announced the opening of volunteer applications to help decorate the White House for the holidays or to perform at the holiday open houses. Honestly, never thought about doing this, but doesn't it sound cool? For more information, including details on how to apply, visit here.

USA Today shared that the Knicks will be playing the Cavaliers on Christmas Day. We don't follow NBA sports. Do you? Do you have a favorite team? Check out more of the schedule in this article here. 

Mashable.com has released its "Best Christmas Gifts for the 2025 Holiday Season" list. These are products they have tried and tested this year. Check out the tech, toys, and more on their list here.

That's a wrap for this week. Christmas is in 137 days! 

Seasonal Books I've Recently Reviewed

Here are some seasonal titles I recently reviewed on my main blog, The Book Connection.  This is such a sweet story, and I loved it so much ...