Instead of driving all over creation trying to spy other neighborhood’s light displays,  why not take a walk with your family right after it gets dark and enjoy your own few blocks?

Conversation lulls at your extended family gatherings got you down? Or are you hoping to diffuse a potentially volatile topic (ours was about nuns over Thanksgiving dinner, some people adore them, others think they’re less than nice) ? How about handing everyone a pad of paper and asking them to compose a holiday haiku to share? Read some fruitcake-themed ones to get you started. Even little kids can figure out the 5-7-5 syllable format.

Simple craft projects can also create some harmony among the masses. I like making gift tags for the following year’s packages out of this year’s holiday cards. All you need are scissors and a hole punch. Just make sure the back side of the image you are cutting out doesn’t already have writing on it. It’s a great way to recycle and be creative at the same time. 

Mary Christmas!

Posted Dec 19, 2007 by Corrie Benfield

Updated Dec 19, 2007 at 07:21 PM

What do you get when a lovely lady named Mary Young weds a fab chap named Brian Christmas? A whole lotta jokes. To read about Mary Christmas, 
go here.

So You Want To Be A Santa ...

Posted Dec 19, 2007 by Corrie Benfield

Updated Dec 19, 2007 at 01:15 PM

It might be a bit too late this year, but check out this article from Slate about the company that supplies jolly men to 169 major malls across the country. Wondering what Noerr Programs looks for in a Santa? Take a peek at the wanted ad.

Cheering Up The Kids

Posted Dec 7, 2007 by Mary Shedden

Updated Dec 7, 2007 at 12:24 PM

The Holiday Spirit hits everyone - including professional athletes. Tampa Bay Lightning players Mathieu Darche and Mike Lundin visited the children at Tampa General Hospital this week. While the event is a publicity event for the hockey team, Darche said he feels reaching out has become a big part of the holidays to him. It’s part responsibility, part honor that he gets to meet kids and others who don’t have a lot of joy in their holiday season.

Half-Off Gift Certificates

Posted Dec 6, 2007 by Corrie Benfield

Updated Dec 6, 2007 at 04:30 PM

I will tell you this: I love a bargain. And the Creative Loafing Web site has a section for half-price gift certificates. Just scroll down to the “cl deals” box about halfway down the page. There are certificates for food, drinks and spas. Just think, you can double your gift-giving potential!