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!

My Spotify Christmas Instrumental Playlist

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. 

My Spotify Christmas Playlist

Christmas Picture Book Review: The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong

 

Lovers of Christmas and folktales will enjoy The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong.

On a chilly night in Bethlehem, the Raven spreads the exciting news to his feathered friends that a child has been born. They fly to a humble stable, where they give gifts to the newborn babe. The little Robin fears he has nothing to give, but quickly discovers even the tinniest bird can make a difference.

The Birds of Christmas is a beautifully told folktale that reminds us we all have special talents and gifts. With the Raven's recurring call to wake up, he spreads the joy of a new baby being born to them. Then the birds busily get to work before meeting the child and his mother, Mary. 

Young readers will be treated to reading a legend of how robins got their red breast in a tale that unfolds against the stunning artwork from Mira Miroslavova. Golds and blues blend together in delightful artistry, bringing forth an eye-catching story that will have readers turning page after page. 

A unique and meaningful way to celebrate the Nativity can be found in The Birds of Christmas. Coming August 19 from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, you can pre-order the book now. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 12, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0802856470
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802856470
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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!

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!