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Christmas

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Happy Christmas Day University City!

We've got travel tips, recipes, and more for all your Christmas Day needs!

Happy Christmas Day University City!  Are you looking to go out today? Check out our roundup of what's open today in U City and the Delmar Loop. Are you traveling today? Find the cheapest gas prices in the area here. If you are flying, check out our tips on making it through the airport without losing your mind. After dinner You deserve to put your feet up and watch a movie. We've got info on the newest releases showing in our neighborhood.  Remember you can read any of our holiday recipes and other stories by going to University City's Holiday Guide. Have a wonderful and safe holiday! 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Holidays Happenings 2012

What's Open? Christmas Weekend in U City

A look at all the places you can go if you need to escape your family or do a bit of last minute shopping this holiday season.

With Christmas Day falling on a Tuesday this year, many people have long weekends ahead of them. Looking to get out of the house on Christmas Eve or Christmas? We've got a list of where you can go in University City.  This Weekend Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 Christmas Day, Dec. 25 Know of any other openings/closings we should report? Tell us in the comments.

Douglas Andrews

4:57 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

Is patch just a joe edwards add campaign? His bars stay open on Christmas, the holiest day of the year, yet they're closed on super bowl Sunday? Ah the almighty dollar, joe's bast and only friend....   more ›

Monday, December 17, 2012

Volunteers Needed: Ring Bells for the Salvation Army

Find out how to become one of the ubiquitous Salvation Army bell ringers this holiday season and help raise money for families in need.

It's that time of year again when volunteers for the Salvation Army don their red aprons, stand in front of their red kettles and ring bells to raise money for those in need. We're sure you've seen the famous Salvation Army bell ringing army around every holiday season in front of your favorite mall, grocery store or pharmacy. This year, Patch is making it easy for you to sign up and become a bell ringing volunteer yourself! The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas campaign helps raise funds to provide food, clothes and toys to 6 million people nationwide. Why volunteer? Here are the top 10 reasons why Salvation Army volunteers say they donate their time: If you'd like to volunteer, choose your region below and sign up for a shift online…

Monday, December 10, 2012

Top 10 Tips to Handle Stress During the Holiday Season

The management of Care and Counseling shares tips to avoid holiday stress.

The management team of Care and Counseling has offered some tips to help avoid stress related to the holidays. Care and Counseling is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to providing a safe, secure and affordable way for individuals and families to seek psychological help in times of need. To quote Chevy Chase’s line from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation “It’s the holidays and we’re all miserable.” There is truth to this in that there are expectations put on us by others and by ourselves at this time of year. Feelings are closer to the surface. The following suggestions may help: Happy Holidays from the Management Team at Care and Counseling!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

News Nearby

News Nearby: U City Resident Opens Sweet Boutique

Clayton’s newest shop at Maryland Avenue is full of reasonably priced gift items and handmade chocolates.

Naysayers told Kristen Held that the struggling economy was hard on small businesses, but that didn't stop her from opening Sweet Boutique gift shop in Clayton this October. She saw the lack of gift shops in Clayton as an opportunity and decided to fill the need. “I felt like the timing was right. Other areas are just full to the brim with gift shops,” she said. (See related on Patch: Sweet Boutique: Sweet Gifts for the Holidays) Clayton also happens to be close to her new home in University City, which is a good thing as Held keeps the shop open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. She told Patch that she always wanted to open a gift shop of her own and enjoys helping people find the right present. “I always liked giving gifts. I can …

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Local Charities Release Holiday Cards for a Cause

Buy your annual holiday cards from a local charity this year.

Every holiday season, families across the country send cards to their loved ones, filling them in on the last year and wishing them a happy new one.  For families planning to buy holiday cards this year, nonprofit organizations around the area are offering unique cards that benefit their missions. That way, each card sends holiday cheer while supporting a worthy cause. Here is our round-up of holiday cards for charity. Operation Food Search Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Our Little Haven Saint Louis Zoo Is your non-profit organization selling cards this holiday season? Add your photo and information to the story by clicking the Upload Pictures and Video button. 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Buying Christmas Gifts for the Hard-to-Buy-For: What Do You Do?

Yes, it's still a little early to think about Christmas shopping. I understand. But it's coming up soon. And we all know that one person who is extremely hard to buy for. What do you do?

I will make no apology for this edition of our weekly "Conversation Starter." I'm selfishly motivated by the need for your help. And I don't care that Halloween is still three days away. Or that Christmas is still nearly two months off. We need all the time we can get. See, here's the problem: My father is in his early 70s; my father-in-law is in his early 80s. If anything, they're trying to get rid of things. What do you buy for the hard-to-buy-for? What do you do to make the Christmas merry for the folks who seem to have everything, don't need anything or who won't let themselves get pinned down? Here's another stumper for you: My son is 17. He's a drama kid, a singer, a World of Warcraft fanatic. He is every bit as hard to buy for as my…

Dawn S.

4:05 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012

Go to Biffybag.com and your problem will be solved. It is a disposable toilet and it makes perect sense. Pure genious.   more ›

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Black Friday Shopping Guide in St. Louis

The stores, sales and strategies you need to optimize your all-night shopping blow-out.

Here’s a new holiday tradition to try: Say grace, eat turkey, head to the mall. Black Friday sales start at midnight this year at some of the regions biggest stores, including Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and Best Buy. We’ve read through the ads and compiled everything you need for the best all-night holiday shopping blow-out possible. And for each sale, we've highlighted the items we think would make the best gifts (at the best prices!) Check back on Black Friday for updates and tips, and if you hit the sales, tag your tweets with #BlackFridaySTL or mention @StLouisLindsay. And don't forget: Black Friday sales are already starting online at popular big box stores. Best Buy said they've already sold out of popular $80 TVs and $150 laptops, but …

Monday, November 21, 2011

Tour Sparkling Worlds Around St. Louis

Use our holiday light guide map to plan a night of family fun.

Each blue point on our holiday light guide map represents a particularly beautiful light display in the St. Louis region. Click on the blue points to find addresses, hours and details. As more parks, businesses and neighbors begin to deck the halls, send us your pictures of beautiful holiday light displays. We'll add them to the map so families can plan light-viewing outings. Send pictures, addresses and impressions of light displays to your local Patch or to Lindsay.Toler@patch.com. If you're on the road, tweet about it @StLouisLindsay.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Local Charities Release Holiday Cards for a Cause

Buy your annual holiday cards from a local charity this year.

Every holiday season, families across the country send cards to their loved ones, filling them in on the last year and wishing them a happy new one.  For families planning to buy holiday cards this year, nonprofit organizations around the area are offering unique cards that benefit their missions. That way, each card sends holiday cheer while supporting a worthy cause. Here is our round-up of holiday cards for charity. The Salvation Army – St. Louis Smiling bell-ringers in front of Downtown St. Louis’ Peabody Opera House greet recipients of this 2011 holiday card. Pick up yours at The Salvation Army office near Forest Park and support youth programming and homeless assistance throughout Missouri and southern Illinois.  Cost: $10 for 10 …

Kemery Baldwin

8:02 am on Tuesday, November 15, 2011

I buy Emmaus Homes Christmas Cards every year. The art is delightful, cards well made, and packaged by residents. Thanks for this article about all these wonderful cards and this opportunity to help these great organizations.   more ›

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