Monday, December 24, 2012
Does your family open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
I have a sister who is 12-years younger than me, so in my family we have always exchanged presents bright and early on Christmas morning. As soon as our baby sister was awake, so was the rest of the family. Down the stairs we went to see what Santa had in store. Some families wait until Christmas morning to exchange gifts, while for others, it's tradition to open one present on Christmas Eve. Over the past month, some Patch readers have shared their Christmas traditions, worst gifts and best gifts with us. Now we want to know, what is your family Christmas gift tradition? Do you draw names or participate in a white elephant gift? Do you pile presents under the tree throughout the month of December, or do you wait of Jolly St. Nick to …
Monday, December 17, 2012
What gift have you received that left you speechless—in a good way?
Everyone has that one gift they'll never forget. No, it's not that ugly sweater that was never worn. This gift is memorable for all the right reasons. They say it's better to give than to receive, but getting gifts can be pretty great. Last week we shared stories of bad gifts, but this time we're going to look at the other side of the coin. What was the best gift you've ever received at the holidays? Was it that toy you really wanted when you were six? Was it that first bike? Maybe it was an engagement ring. Whatever it was, let us know. What's the one gift you received that you'll never forget.
Friday, December 14, 2012
With pet ownership on the rise, more than half of pet owners are buying gifts for their pets this year.
Don’t forget your pets this holiday season. According to a survey by AP-Petside.com, more than half of American pet owners will buy gifts for their pets this holiday season, spending an average of $46 on their animals. And with pet ownership at its highest level in two decades, at 72.9 million, according to the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey, chances are you are searching for a gift for your furry or feathered family member. AP-Petside.com says 68 percent of pets getting gifts will receive a toy, with 45 percent getting food or another treat, 8 percent getting new bedding, 6 percent clothing, 3 percent a leash, collar or harness, and 3 percent new grooming products. What will you be getting …
Monday, December 10, 2012
What gift have you received that left you speechless?
There's one every Christmas, it seems. That gift that puzzles you, irritates you, embarrasses you, frustrates you. And even if you know in your heart that it's Christmas and that you should be gracious and thankful, you just want to shake your head in disbelief? Was it the ugly Christmas sweater that you gave to Aunt Margie last year, carefully wrapped and unknowingly (or knowingly) re-gifted right back to you? Was it that set of salt-and-pepper shakers shaped like cheese wedges that your grandmother gave you because she thinks you need a hobby, and shouldn't everyone have a collection of something? Was it the donation made in your name to a charity you would never have wanted to support, but that the giver supports enthusiastically? The …
Monday, November 26, 2012
Patch is looking for experts who can talk electronics and share their expertise this week.
It's the season of giving and chances are, you probably have some fancy technology to cross off your holiday shopping lists. Patch wants to help find the answers to all your questions about Blue-ray players, iPads, smartphones and television sets, but we need a little help. In the latest edition of "Ask the Patch Pro" we need local experts who can answer readers' questions and offer advice. If you are a local techie or consider yourself an expert and can answer these questions and more, let us know two ways. One: You can leave a comment on this post. Two: You can send an email to jordan.lanham@patch.com. We need experts to answer questions on Thursday, Nov. 29. Curious as to what we are looking for? Take a look at some of our previous …
Friday, November 9, 2012
Books make great holiday gifts for young kids.
Toy catalogs and commercials have children begging for the latest new toys, but a bounty of books also appeal to kids’ varied interests while honing early reading skills. As Dr. Seuss wrote “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Open a new world of understanding while pushing your kids to the top of the class with these literary picks. Head to Barnes and Noble to find these great books that fit your children’s interests. For the budding artist: The Wall Street Journal recommends What is Contemporary Art? A Guide for Kids from New York’s Museum of Modern Art. A great book to prompt further discussion, kids and parents can share their impressions of the contemporary artwork …
Michelle
12:48 pm on Monday, December 24, 2012
The gifts get piled under the tree all month (no name tags, secret coded by Santa as to what present goes to whom), Santa has always brought and filled the stockings (per the Night before Christmas). All presents are opened Christmas morning. more ›