Tag: Christmas

Orange County Fire Authority Toy Drive Delivers Christmas Joy to Children

It is not too late to bring Christmas cheer to children in need by donating toys or money to the Orange County Fire Authority’s (OCFA) annual toy drive. For 29 years, OCFA has partnered with Spark of Love along with over 100 non-profit organizations to bring the joy of Christmas to children in the state….


Flights Cancelled on Christmas Eve Disrupt Aussie Travel

Hundreds of Australians preparing to reunite with their families for Christmas have experienced disruptions after three major airlines cancelled and rescheduled dozens of flights on Christmas Eve. Australia’s busiest route between Sydney and Melbourne was the most affected as Jetstar and Virgin Australia cancelled 22 flights between the two cities on Dec. 24. Both airlines have…


Online Sales Expected to Reach Record for Boxing Day in Australia

Online sales in Australia are expected to reach a record on Boxing Day, according to data released this week by Commonwealth Bank. The survey of 1,005 people revealed that 60 percent of online shoppers were mainly motivated by convenience, 54 percent want to avoid queues, and 43 percent were happy to avoid traffic. Australian Retailers…


Spread Cheer Into the New Year With Homemade Wassail

You’ve undoubtedly heard the “Wassail Song,” or “Here We Come A-wassailing,” which seems to be on replay throughout all of December. “Love and joy come to you, / And to you your wassail too,” begins the refrain. With verses that celebrate food, drink, generosity, and merriment, it’s a cheerful tune intended to bring blessings to…


Little Officer Oliver Brings Festive Cheer to Nursing Home Residents

This little officer makes sure these elderly people get all the warm hugs they deserve.


Mom Preserves Christmas Tree Her Teen Son Decorated Before He Died

A grieving mother wrapped her Christmas tree in cellophane to hold last year’s decorations in place in order to preserve the ornaments her teenage son had put up before he died. Heather Davis, 34, lost her son Kooper, 17, to suicide in December 2020, just weeks after he helped to decorate their tree. The mom-of-five…


World Shares Extend Gains in Thin Pre-Christmas Trading

BANGKOK—World shares were higher Thursday after stocks advanced on Wall Street, lifted by encouraging reports about the potential impact of the omicron variant of coronavirus and stronger U.S. economic data. Major indexes are on track for a Christmas week gains, with trading thinning as the holidays approach. Many world markets will be closed Friday in…


Sydney Christmas Seafood Marathon Begins

The Sydney Fish Market’s 36-Hour Seafood Marathon begins bright and early and continues until Christmas Eve. It’s the most wonderful time of the year—when Sydneysiders are able to buy fresh prawns, clams, and lobsters in the dead of night. The Sydney Fish Market’s annual 36-Hour Seafood Marathon will begin at 5 a.m. on Thursday, and…


Stocks Rise on Wall Street Ahead of Christmas Holiday

Stocks closed broadly higher on Wall Street Wednesday, adding to the market’s gains this week ahead of the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 rose 1 percent after coming back from an early slide. The other indexes also recovered after sliding into the red in the early going. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.1 percent…


Dreamy Meringue Cookies for Your Christmas Platter

These light, airy, and slightly chewy meringue cookies are like chocolatey clouds studded with mini chocolate chips. They’re flavored with a touch of almond extract and dusted with freeze-dried strawberry powder (easily made by whizzing up strawberries in a spice grinder) for a subtle tartness to counteract the sweetness. But they’re highly adaptable. If you’re…