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Christmas

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

The Best Present Under the Tree

Maybe it was something for your children—or for you. What's the best gift you gave or received this Christmas?

As children, it's often all about what they get. The hottest toy, video game or favorite outfit.  But sometimes, it's about the gift you can give. Finding the perfect thing for your mom, or your sweetie. Or giving something to someone who really needed the help.  Share photos of Christmas morning smiles by uploading one to our gallery, and tell us your stories of great gifts in the comments.  Merry Christmas to you and your families from all of us at Patch!

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Bucky

6:11 pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Bob ... Merry Christmas to you and yours and Happy New year !   more ›

Sunday, December 23, 2012

When's It Best to Break the News about Santa?

Should you lie through your teeth as long as possible, or 'fess up at the first hint of doubt? Tell us what you think the right time is.

As a child, we can all remember the palpable anticipation the night of Christmas Eve, trying to calm down enough to get some shuteye. The same goes for parents. Watching the children fumble down the stairs to see what Santa Claus has brought, and their eyes light up when they see colorfully wrapped presents abound under the Christmas tree — it's a special moment.  The time will come, though, when questions arise about how exactly the big jolly guy does it: "So, Santa flies around the world in one night on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, somehow breaks into millions of homes and neatly stashes presents under trees? And, he still finds time to drink that milk and eat those cookies left out for him?" Parenting experts agree it can be a tough …

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ben burton

8:22 pm on Thursday, December 27, 2012

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate you, man.   more ›

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Gov. Walker: Cherish Family This Holiday Season

Gov. Scott Walker delivers a Christmas message for this week's radio address.

Each week, Gov. Scott Walker delivers a weekly radio address. The following is the transcript from his address on Thursday, titled Holiday Message. Hi, I’m Scott Walker.  My wife Tonette and I would like to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness this holiday season.  As we get ready to celebrate Christmas with our sons, Matt and Alex, we pray for a new year filled with faith, hope, and prosperity. This joyful season can be a time to remember as well as a time to hope for the future.  It is also a time to be grateful for the past year and for our loved ones. We hope that in the midst of the hustle and bustle, and in light of the recent tragedy, everyone will take the opportunity to cherish the family around them…

Rick Fink

9:48 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013

I lived in Port Washington when I was a kid and a belated Merry Christmas to everyone there.   more ›

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Bell Ringer Brightens Shoppers' Holidays with Song

Singing his way through every shift, Salvation Army worker lifts spirits and prompts giving.

For four years running, shoppers at Pick 'n Save on State Street have been treated to an extra helping of holiday cheer. Salvation Army bell ringer Arvie Vaulx Jr. keeps music in the air by caroling his way through every shift, every day. No matter how cold or windy the weather, Vaulx warms his pipes non-stop for eight hours while minding his donation kettle and accompanying himself on twin, tinkling handbells. While not everyone stops to listen, Vaulx has built up a fan base and friendships over four Christmas seasons – and he believes his singing does help with donations. "Sometimes people get all the way to the parking lot, out to their cars, and then they come back," he said. "They say, 'The singing brought me back.' "One fellow I've …

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Sarah Worthman

2:34 pm on Friday, December 23, 2011

Jim, this is just stellar. I want to meet this guy now!!!!   more ›

Friday, December 16, 2011

Independent Claus: St. Jude Students Take Santa Letter Assignment to Heart

Graded on form, style and syntax, kids may earn extra credit on Christmas for caring.

Many people are out of a job right now, and my uncle is one of them. He has just recently become unemployed, and is struggling to pay his bills. More than anything, I want a job for my uncle. A job that pays well, and that he would take an interest in. That is hard to find right now, and that is why I need your help. Santa, you can squeeze through a chimney, travel the world in one night, fly with a red-nosed reindeer and eat multiple cookies without getting a stomachache. If there's anyone in this world who can help me, it's you. So please, help me find him a job. – Teresa Murphy, 11 When Kristen Vick gave her sixth-graders at St. Jude the Apostle School a writing assignment due in final draft Thursday, the rubric was demanding. Baseline …

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

How To Give Back This Holiday Season

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” – Booker T. Washington

With the arrival of the holiday season comes the spirit of volunteering and love. To jump-start your spirit, Patch has compiled a list of opportunities to spread the Christmas cheer locally through time, compassion and a helping hand. Volunteering is a gift given in many ways. Joy Tree Sussex Village Hall, N64 W23760 Main St. The annual Joy Tree, sponsored by the Sussex Community Center, is a tree decorated with gift idea tags in the center’s lobby. People can come and choose a tag or tags, return the wrapped gift and on Thursday the presents will be handed out to older adults who are in need of a gift. Presents may be returned to the Village Hall or Community Center. Wauwatosa Community Christmas Dinner Help those in need of a warm …

Saturday, December 3, 2011

PHOTOS: Holiday Tree Lights Up the Village

Holiday Magic celebration opens with illumination, continues with Santa, crafts and games.

Holiday Magic in the Village kicked off at 6 p.m. Friday with the lighting of the Holiday Tree and plenty more fun for families, including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stop back from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday for more kids crafts and horse-drawn wagon rides – and of course more opportunities to shop and dine. From 6 to 9 p.m., there will be hot chocolate, cookies and decorations at the Little Red Store, 7720 Harwood Ave., sponsored by Mayfair. Enjoy a sing-a-long with music by the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble and free give-aways to the first 100 families. Then, stay to watch as the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train travels through the Village between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Throughout the Holiday Magic weekend and the month of December, you can …

Dale

8:24 am on Monday, December 5, 2011

What beautiful pictures of a great event. Hooray for Wauwatosa.   more ›

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Kneeland-Walker House, Little Red Store Get All Dressed Up for Christmas

Historical Society offers opportunity to stroll the halls of its elegant home and quaint country store in holiday motif.

The Wauwatosa Historical Society will open up its two prized properties to the public this weekend to show them off in full holiday finery. The doors to the Kneeland-Walker House, usually opened only for scheduled tours, will be thrown wide in welcome to all comers as the historic home is transformed into the Merry Christmas House. The society promises visitors a "lavish setting of winter splendor" with holiday decorations and special exhibits. Open house hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Built in 1890, the Queen Anne-style Victorian home at 7406 Hillcrest Dr. was bought by the historical society in 1987, and extensively restored and furnished with period pieces and décor provide insight into life in Wauwatosa in earlier …

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Village Set to Light Up the Night with Holiday Magic

Tree lighting ceremony starts out the season, ushering in Santa, singing, wagon rides and encouragement to eat, drink and shop.

A two-day celebration of the season in Tosa, called Holiday Magic in the Village, kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and continues through Saturday night. The lighting of the tree, organized by the Village of Wauwatosa Business Improvement District and the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce, takes place in Root Common Park, where Harwood and Wauwatosa avenues meet, and heralds the arrival of special guest Santa Claus. Trumpeters, carolers and warming beverages top off the opening ceremony, but the night is far from over. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., everyone is invited to stay around for lighted horse-drawn wagon rides through the Village, one-on-one  time with Santa at Paulina Esthetics Boutique, 7601 Harwood Ave., face…

Michael

9:31 pm on Friday, December 2, 2011

Greedy e coupon clipper...   more ›

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