HOLIDAY SEASON

The holiday season is being dampened by the coronavirus pandemic again this year. More than 700 U.S. flights are already canceled today and that's on top of hundreds that were called off on Christmas Eve. The holiday travel woes are the latest reminder of just how disruptive the pandemic has become. Michael George has more.

The company will also reportedly monitor and manage store capacity during the busy holiday season.

The company will also reportedly monitor and manage store capacity during the busy holiday season.

Take a trip down to Galveston Island this holiday season.

Tipping service providers this holiday season is a way to show your appreciation. Here's what Americans are giving this year, and what the experts suggest.

It can be a real struggle to stay on track during the holiday season, especially when you’re tempted with a big holiday meal, decadent drinks and desserts, and parties around every corner.

The holiday season is a popular time to entertain. Food is often a focal point of holiday season entertaining.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] Features San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

After many close games, and many hard fought battles over the week, but the Cibolo Steele Knights are the only San Antonio area team remaining in the UIL Football playoffs. Taking a lead early, the Knights were able to hold on to the reigns throughout the game, ultimately winning 41-17.by Bradley CollierThe Knights have a lot of talent, and grit. And with the help of Tevon Cortez's pick 6 last game, the Steele Defense continues to prove to be tough! The playoffs pressure is not new for the Knights, having advanced to the Regional round 9 out of the last 11 seasons, but there's still always the want for more than just the Regional round! Photo from Steele TwitterSteele (9-3) will take on the very tough Austin Westlake (11-0) in the Division I State Quarterfinals on Saturday at 2pm.

CYPRESS – Small business owners across the Houston area are preparing for Small Business Saturday. At establishments like the Little Eclectic House in Cypress, owners are preparing for customers the day after the big box stores had their turn on Black Friday. He refers to Small Business Saturday as “make-or-break” for a lot of establishments. “When you support a small business, you support your community,” said customer Fabian Vargas. “You’re really giving money back to where you’re from, where you’re living, where you’re at.”

The holiday season isn't canceled! COVID-19 cannot stop us from getting gifts for all of our loved ones, including teachers, grandparents, single friends and even self-lovers. Let our 2020 Gift Guide make your year a little easier. Our editorial staff compiled this report independently. Tribune Publishing may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of the affiliate links.

“For children, it can be hard to go through a holiday season and receive nothing,” said Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Quesada, the coordinator for Greater Houston Area Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots was founded by a Marine in 1957. “So if you see this Toys for Tots box and you have the ability to donate, I would say it’s a great way to give back to our community,” said Quesada. Virtue Tattoo in Meadows Place has requested a Toys for Tots box for the last for years. If you would like to request a toy, find a place to donate, or request a donation box, visit here.

HOUSTON – UPS is hosting its annual one-day hiring blitz, known as UPS Brown Friday, on Friday. The company is hiring at least 50,000 new employees across the country, including about 3,000 positions in Houston. Applicants can conduct in-person or virtual interviews, and the company will be making job offers on the spot. According to UPS, nearly 40% of seasonal workers last year came back to a permanent job after the holidays. Houston-area UPS job fairs on Friday:Willowbrook 11802 N Gessner Road, Houston, TX 77064, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMStafford: 13922 Stafford Rd, Stafford, TX 77477, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMSweetwater: 8330 Sweetwater Lane, Houston, TX 77037, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMMykawa: 7110 Mykawa Rd, Houston, TX 77033, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMTo learn more about virtual and in-person hiring fairs, viewers can visit UPSjobs.com/brownfriday.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. Or need help installing holiday lights? Plus, if you buy this week and install before Nov. 7th, they will give an extra 5% to the Houston Food Bank. Visit their website at abchomeandcommercial.com/Houston or call 281-730-9500 to learn more.

Did Santa give retailers a jolly holiday season? Consumers and retailers are preparing for the last gasp of holiday shopping this weekend. Jill Schlesinger reports that how well the stores are doing this holiday season depends on who you ask.