CHRISTMAS

For Diana Barba and her two daughters, the approaching Christmas promised to increase this sense of loss … but Cricket Wireless and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harlingen stepped in to help. “They were all very grateful and felt very blessed,” said Alma Dones, unit director for the Boys and Girls Clubs. “Cricket was able to give back $5,000 to families to support.”That money was split between Harlingen and McAllen where Cricket did another presentation with that Boys and Girls Club. This is all part of the “12 Days of Cricket” campaign which launched November 14 in conjunction with World Kindness Day. “We work with the Boys and Girls Clubs across the nation,” Balli said.

A Texas family is offering a $2,000 to anyone who can help return a 16-foot inflatable Rudolph that was stolen from their lawn by two unknown individuals.

Several Christmas parades are scheduled to take place in the Rio Grande Valley this weekend to get people in the holiday spirit.

Click2Pins.com is where we find the photos that are making your life what it is in Southeast Texas.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

The film tells the story of a bereaved father struggling to make Christmas special for his his son.

Kerville’s Lecia Hawkins has amassed enough mid-century Christmas decor to cover the North Pole.

It took an act of Congress, but lawmakers thwarted a threatened rail workers’ strike that could have devastated our national economy, especially during a Christmas buying season that depends so much on our railroads to get materials to our stores and factories. Rail workers had set a Dec. 9 strike deadline after more than three years of negotiations on a new work contract. The workers, who complain that they are always on call, want higher wages, paid sick leave and extra time off. “Rail is an integral part of the Valley economy,” Daniel Silva, president of the Valley Partnership, told us. “We have a lot of commerce that comes through the Valley by rail.

It took an act of Congress, but lawmakers thwarted a threatened rail workers’ strike that could have devastated our national economy, especially during a Christmas buying season that depends so much on our railroads to get materials to our stores and factories. Rail workers had set a Dec. 9 strike deadline after more than three years of negotiations on a new work contract. President Biden called on Congress to pass legislation that would stop the strike. Analysts say a strike would have cost our national economy $2 billion every day. “Rail is an integral part of the Valley economy,” Daniel Silva, president of the Valley Partnership, told us.

From your work party to your casual get together with your BFFs, these Christmas party outfits serve the best looks.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) told reporters that the committee’s report will not be completed before Congress is scheduled to leave for the month on Dec. 16, but there is a “good possibility” it will be out before Christmas.

For the first time ever, Brownsville’s annual Christmas parade will be held on a Saturday, and this year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, which is just a couple of days away.

Today on Houston Life, we brought you holiday cheer and a LIVE performance! Derrick and Courtney sat down with Eric C. Jones and Lea Jones, the brains behind the “25 Songs of Christmas.”

David Harbour plays a decidedly un-jolly Santa Claus in this violent, noirish and occasionally hilarious home-invasion thriller.

Set on 12 acres in the state's “snow belt,” this post-and-beam home serves up the perfect wintry mix of New England charm, boughs of freshly cut greens, and a hearty helping of comfort and joy.

We rounded up our favorite holiday inflatables to decorate your lawn with this year. From classic movies to cute winter animals, find your favorite blowup.

Let's get the Elf on the Shelf to work for us this year (and hopefully every year moving forward).

About 600,000 birds have been culled or died in the UK's worst outbreak of avian influenza, an industry chief says.

The Fuller's boss says festive parties could be cancelled without a speedy resolution to the dispute.

First lady Jill Biden unveiled a winter wonderland of decorations inspired by the theme, "We the People."

Video of the church's elaborate performance drew backlash from users.

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, nothing says holiday spirit more than putting up your Christmas decorations…including the tree!

Here's how to make holiday present swapping even more festive than usual with Secret Santa, White Elephant, Best of the Year, and more.

We are always looking for “Ways 2 Save” you money, especially during this holiday season. While your kids are making their holiday wish lists, you might want to check them twice for some of these “hot” resell toys. And if you need cash now, time to go through the toy box, because these are also the items you can sell fast.

See a performance from Grammy-nominated Gospel Singer Jekalyn Carr.

Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. on Houston Life, we’re getting ready for the 25 days of Christmas with ‘The 25 Songs of Christmas.’

‘Joy to the World’: You may not realize that your favorite Christmas carol was based on the 98th Psalm and wasn’t intended to be sung on the holiday.

As Christmas nears, Fr. Jeffrey Kirby of Indian Land, South Carolina, explains why we need to reinvigorate our observance of Advent: It's a "demanding teacher" that offers hope.

Several people in Austin shared their preferences for either real or fake Christmas trees and explained the reasons behind their choices this holiday season.

Texans love this variation on the Christmas cookie so much that Blue Bell even created a seasonal ice cream just for it this winter.

The most popular holiday classic film in the Lone Star State is one that is sure to make Texans' hearts "grow three sizes" when they watch it.

It all comes at you so quickly: One minute, you’re making grocery lists and setting the menu for Thanksgiving, and then, in the blink of an eye, the holiday has arrived, only to be followed by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday -- and then your tree goes up and Christmas morning is here.

Braintree village expects more than 11,000 shoppers to visit during Black Friday.

Trips to Discover ranked Wimberley, Texas as one of most festive Christmas towns in the country in 2022.

Schools nationwide are closing two weeks before the end of term as Uganda battles a deadly virus.

Retailers are unsure of how the economic downturn will hit spending in shops across the UK.

Or is it the love and care that families who gather around the holidays put in as they decorate their Christmas tree together? “I’ve bought Christmas trees before for my kids but they’re so picky about decorating,” Torres laughed. She added candy canes, snowmen and wrapped cotton candy around her Christmas tree, which she had flocked red and white. He said people love to eat turkey and then come buy a Christmas tree. So, if one is looking to purchase a beautiful Christmas tree this year, they’d better head over quickly before they find themselves trapped in the inevitable turkey coma.

When is it too early to ring in the holiday season on speakers and over the airwaves?

As we are bombarded with Black Friday adverts, some people mark the day in a very different way.

Get the Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar for 20% off in Target’s Black Friday deal.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will take part in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Wortham Theater Center Wednesday.

This seasonal Spam includes additional "fig and orange flavors, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and all spice." As ever, it is shelf stable in case of the apocalypse.

Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. on Houston Life, Young actress Kyrie McAlpin, who is nominated for the first ever Children’s & Family Emmy Awards while join the team in studio. She’ll discuss her latest project: the new BET+ holiday movie BLACKJACK CHRISTMAS!

The out-of-control truck pulling a float that crashed into a girl dancing in a Raleigh Christmas parade Saturday morning was being driven by a 20-year-old.

Weslaco police are asking for the public’s help in making Christmas a little brighter for local kids. The police department is seeking donations for a toy drive it’s planning in December when they’ll be distributing gifts via a drive-thru. The toy giveaway will be held on Dec. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Mayor Pablo Pena Park located at 300 N. Airport Drive in Weslaco. “So to make sure every child has a gift, we started a toy drive. >> Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1502 S. Airport DriveThe gifts should be for children 15 years old and younger.

Aerial footage shows the terrifying moments before and after a truck towing a float lost control at a Christmas parade in Raleigh, North Carolina.

A Christmas parade in Raleigh, North Carolina was interrupted by a tragic accident when a young girl was struck by an out-of-control vehicle.

The 2022 Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in Washington, DC Friday morning to take its place on Capitol Hill, an annual sign marking the start of the holiday season in the District.

'A Christmas Story' is back with a brand new sequel. The actor who played Ralphie in the original movie, Peter Billingsley, sat down with Sofia Ojeda for Houston Life. The new film is streaming on HBO MAX.

As the holidays draw near, psychologist Natalie Bernstein and children's book publisher Ellen Sabin offer actionable steps for children to give back — and build a sense of gratitude.

Shop top-rated beauty, toy, home, kitchen, tech and pet gifts, all under $50.

HARLINGEN — For some school district employees, Christmas cheer is getting ready to hit home. This year, Harlingen and San Benito schools are among the area’s districts stuffing paychecks with bonuses employees are expected to receive before Christmas. Officials described the bonuses as “retention stipends,” or one-time payments made to help keep employees on the job. Harlingen funding $2.7 million packageIn Harlingen, officials have approved $1,000 “retention stipends” for all employees as part of the district’s budget, spokeswoman Brianna Vela Garcia said Wednesday. San Benito giving incentivesIn San Benito, school board members approved a resolution to give $500 retention stipends to full-time employees and $300 stipends to part-time employees, school board President Ramiro Moreno stated.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max ship times in the U.S. have started slipping past Christmas, according to Apple's website and financial analysts.

Picking The Right Christmas Tree For The Holidays

The US star's application to trademark the moniker has been denied for administration reasons.

English breakfasts and traditional Christmas dinners could be off the menu as Britain's worst outbreak of avian flu prompts fears of egg and turkey shortages.

Candace Cameron Bure, Pure Flix founders David A.R. White and Michael Scott, as well as "Dukes of Hazzard" star John Schneider are creating films about faith and patriotism.

The Spencer Solves It team is looking for five families who have had a horrible year and are now facing the fact they will not have enough money to provide their children with presents or any kind of Christmas celebration. Then Bill will gift those families with 2,500 dollars to buy gifts and also with brand new bicycles for all of their children.

These vintage-style decorations set a festive scene. Choose from blow molds of Santa, Mickey Mouse, reindeer, or even a nativity scene.

"Prices will be higher, and we will see flights sell out for both holidays," one travel pro said.

With the holiday season in full swing, we’ve got a fun DIY project you can do at home, FOR YOUR HOME. Or you can gift one to a friend or family member for Christmas! Houston Native Eboni Roberts, Founder and Creative Director of Kicky Mats stopped by to demonstrate this creative and artsy craft with Courtney and Katherine—guest hosting for Derrick Shore today!

Put the Holy Family on display with these scenes.

The hosts of the podcast, downloaded more than 430m times, hint there's something else to come.

Here's how to understand the rosary, a Catholic prayer tradition practiced by millions of faithful worldwide — including the beads, the link to Mother Mary and the meaning behind the prayer aid.

Decorate and play with these fun Christmas train sets perfect for the holidays. These vintage-inspired items are perfect for toddlers and older kids alike.

October is over with, which means the holidays are just around the corner. That also means it’s time for Mariah Carey to come out of hiding and sit upon the throne of Christmas.

The Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular is returning to Houston this holiday season!

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s finally time to start looking into fun advent calendars to help you countdown the days until Christmas.It always fun to have a traditional advent calendar, but why not make them more interesting?

Thinking of flying for the holidays this year? Expect to pay more for airfare than at any other time in recent years.

Chris Kalvert has a festive spirit.

I have to admit, seeing Christmas decorations for sale before Halloween is one thing, but we aren’t even to Labor Day and the season has changed!? I took that holiday tree photo yesterday at Costco!

The Polar Express Train Ride is returning this holiday season to the Galveston Railroad Museum.

Why was the mosquito sad on Christmas? It was a bah hum bug.

The Memphis Grizzlies are in line to be part of the NBA's Christmas showcase for the first time.

What better time to take a quiz on Garfield the cat than National Lasagna Day?

Just ask anyone who has traveled in the past few weeks and they will tell you that having your flight changed, canceled or redirected is becoming more and more common these days.

I don’t know about you, but Girl Scout cookie season feels magical - almost like Christmas.

The Serbian Orthodox Church says the Patriarch, Porfirije, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says it's time to consider whether to move away from the detailed tracking that the pandemic has required until now to a flu-like monitoring system.

The United Kingdom will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne with a military parade, neighborhood parties and a competition to create a new dessert for the Platinum Jubilee.

The U.K. government has been making contingency plans in case hospitals, schools and other workplaces are hit by major staff shortages amid the latest record spike in coronavirus infections.

Wintry weather combined with the pandemic is frustrating air travelers again, whose return flights home from the holidays were canceled or delayed in the first days of the new year.

France recorded more than 100,000 virus infections in a single day for the first time since the pandemic struck and COVID-19 hospitalizations have doubled over the past month.

Monday is going to be one of the busiest travel days of the year due to Christmas travelers heading home.

Kemba Walker became the seventh NBA player with a triple-double on Christmas, and the New York Knicks beat the depleted Atlanta Hawks 101-87 for their first win on the holiday in a decade.

The generosity of Houstonians was on full display on Christmas Day with all the giveaways taking place around the area.

It may be a different year, but it’s the same story for last-minute Christmas shoppers!

An annual Christmas tradition celebrates thirty years of making children smile by spreading holiday cheer.

A different kind of last-minute holiday shopping happened on Christmas Eve at Rudy’s in Rosenberg.

A worldwide surge in COVID-19 infections thanks to the omicron variant is tempering Christmas celebrations.

Houstonians who either waited until the last minute or forgot something on their list making their last trip to the store.

It's beginning to feel a lot like..... summertime? Houstonians hoping to get into the holiday spirit by participating in Christmas traditions, like ice skating, were in for a warm surprise Friday.

The organizers of Friday’s Super Feast say they just barely pulled it off with only a fraction of the volunteers they’ve had in years past. One family who saw the need to help and jumped into action says the outcome was all worth it.

The holiday scene at the White House has been a little less merry under under COVID-19's shadow.

The NBA’s Christmas message to its teams was a refrain it has been using for weeks: Get boosted.

Celebrities Money Man, J Mulan and Rich God are giving new meaning to the phrase “random acts of kindness,” blessing Houston kids with some fashionably-fly new gear for the holidays.

It's never fun to have to be a patient at a hospital, but Texas Children's Hospital did their part this week to bring that holiday cheer to their patients' faces.