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SANTA

Houston-area forecast: Sweater weather this weekend

HOUSTON – Cold air has settled into Southeast Texas and will be sticking around for a while. We are in the beginning of the longest stretch of cold weather that has hit Houston so far this season. As we head into late Sunday, temperatures will start to drop and wintry precipitation will be getting close to Southeast Texas! Sunday NightAccumulations will be insignificant in Southeast Texas but snow will accumulate north and northwest of our area. Weekend Travel WeatherAfter Sunday’s rain/snow mix event, the rest of the ten day forecast shows a cooler than normal start with plenty of sunshine for the week ahead.

Astronauts beam Christmas message of hope to Earth from aboard International Space Station

Seven astronauts are celebrating the holiday season aboard the International Space Station, but that isn't stopping them from beaming some holiday cheer back to Earth. "Resilience" is also the name they gave to the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that launched four of the astronauts to the space station last month. Earlier this month, a SpaceX Dragon cargo ship arrived at the ISS with new supplies — including Christmas gifts and fixings. The Federal Aviation Administration cleared Santa for the flight to space on Wednesday, granting him with a special commercial space license for a crewed mission to the ISS aboard his "StarSleigh-1 space capsule, powered by the Rudolph Rocket." "Let's face it, 2020 was a difficult year and we all could use some special holiday cheer that only Santa can deliver," said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.

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Follow Santa Claus around the world with this tracker map

HOUSTON – Kids eager for the arrival of Santa Claus tonight can follow his journey across the globe using NORAD’s official tracker. The North American Aerospace Defense Command is tracking Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve. Online users can watch ol’ Saint Nick and his sleigh led by reindeer glide over every city as he delivers gifts to all the nice boys and girls. You can access the online tracker map here and keep an eye on Santa Claus during all of his travels. Apps are also available for download on Apple and Android.

Photographer keeps Christmas tradition going, despite the pandemic

Warrenville, Illinois — Once the pandemic canceled her annual in-studio Santa photography sessions, Alicia Johnson and her family decided to get COVID creative. If he gets sick, then Christmas will be canceled," 8-year-old guest Maeve Mallett said when asked about the photo session. On top of creating a COVID-19-friendly Santa photo session, Johnson looks out for her customers in other ways. She gifted a session to Ricky Carpentero and his family after learning the photos were his mother's Christmas wish. When asked by Santa what he wanted for Christmas, Ricky said, "For this coronavirus can be gone so I can visit with my family."

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Hearts of Animals Wishes You a Disaffected Christmas

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. “Christmas Time Again” opens the album strong and is what I would call the most typical Hearts of Animals track. Yes, Merry Christmas Anyway is cynical, but I honestly found it hopeful. After all, recording a Christmas album in August does imply you expect there to be a December. Merry Christmas Anyway is available on Bandcamp.

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Business owner who once struggled financially pays utility bills for families in need

In Gulf Breeze, Florida, Santa owns a pool construction business and drives a pickup truck. So last year he went to City Hall and cleared the delinquent accounts of 36 families. Mike Esmond, owner of Gulf Breeze Pool and Spas in Gulf Breeze, Florida, paid off the outstanding utility bills of more than 100 families before Christmas. Instead of getting a disconnection notice in the mail, the families received a card that said, "Your past due utility bill has been paid by Gulf Breeze Pool & Spas. Kimberly Haywood, who has two young sons, had her sewer bill paid off after her partner was laid off from a restaurant that closed.

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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Grocery Store Hours

Photo by Lorretta RuggieroAldi: Christmas Eve: Reduced hours, locations may vary / Christmas Day: ClosedCostco: Christmas Eve: Reduced hours, locations may vary / Christmas Day: ClosedCVS: Christmas Eve: Regular hours / Christmas Day: Regular hoursFiesta Mart: Christmas Eve: Regular hours, locations may vary / Christmas Day: ClosedEXPAND Vegan unicorn gummies make a great stocking stuffer. Photo by Lorretta RuggieroFood Town: Christmas Eve: Stores close at 7 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedH-E-B: Christmas Eve: Stores open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Curbside and Home Delivery close at 7 p.m.,Pharmacy closes at 5 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedH Mart: Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. / Christmas Day: Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Photo by Lorretta RuggieroKroger: Christmas Eve: Stores close at 7 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedRandalls: Christmas Eve: Stores open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. / Christmas Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Sam's Club: Christmas Eve: Stores close at 6 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedSpec's Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods: Christmas Eve: Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedEXPAND Don't forget the Panettone for Nonna! Photo by Lorretta RuggieroSprouts: Christmas Eve: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for most stores, though some close at 4 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedTarget: Christmas Eve: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedTotal Wine: Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedTrader Joe's: Christmas Eve: Stores close at 6 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedEXPAND Whole Foods has shoppers covered for beer budgets and champagne tastes. Photo by Lorretta RuggieroWalgreens: Christmas Eve: Regular hours, locations vary / Christmas Day: Regular hours, locations varyWalmart: Christmas Eve: Stores open until 6 p.m. / Christmas Day: ClosedWhole Foods Market: Christmas Eve: Most stores open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. / Christmas Day: Closed

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The Latest: Coronavirus cases keep rising in South Korea

(AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has added 1,092 new coronavirus cases in a resurgence that is erasing hard-won epidemiological gains and eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to handle the outbreak. It would deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Preliminary data on U.S. deaths show the coronavirus pandemic contributing to a 15% or more increase in deaths over last year. ___MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials have reported a new daily high in confirmed coronavirus cases as the country awaits its first shipment of vaccine. ___WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation is reporting 151 new coronavirus cases and seven more deaths related to COVID-19.

83-year-old Houston man returns home after long battle with COVID-19

HOUSTON – Christmas arrived early for one Houston family. The patriarch of their family returned home on Monday after battling COVID-19 for nearly five months. The 83-year-old spent 149 days in three different medical facilities battling COVID-19. He was moved to Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Houston Medical Center for two months and spent the remaining time at Baywind Village Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. The hospital wouldn’t allow family visits whenever COVID-19 cases in the city were high.

This Houston couple brings the spirit of Santa and Mrs. Claus to neighborhood kids

Jessica Kuhns with husband Robert dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus (left) hope to bring smiles to kids during this holiday season. While husband Robert was Santa, Jessica joined in becoming the “Mrs. Claus” beside him in hopes to bring smiles to children this year. “Parents aren’t going to want to take their kids to a crowded mall just to see Santa,” Kuhns told KPRC 2. Posted by Jessica Kuhns on Saturday, December 12, 2020“We told her we would be honored to be their Santa this year,” Jessica told KPRC 2.

Spread some holiday cheer, vote for your favorite KPRC 2 photo

HOUSTON – ‘Tis the Season for the holidays and the end of 2020! Despite this year being filled with many surprises, here at KPRC 2, we wanted to take a moment to spread some holiday cheer. From Santa hats to menorahs, our KPRC 2 team members got a chance to pick their favorite holiday attire and snap a snazzy holiday photo. SCROLL DOWN TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE KPRC 2 FRIENDNow, it’s time to see all of our holiday pics and select your favorite! Vote for your favorite holiday portrait here:Click here to view all 35 of our holiday photos on InstagramHappy Holidays, from all of us at KPRC 2!

Local clinic spreads holiday cheer with patients with drive-thru party

Santa, Mrs. Claus and all their helpers – decked out in masks — gathered outside Christus Health in Midtown to spread some holiday cheer to the young patients of San Jose Clinic. For 85 years, San Jose Clinic has hosted a Christmas party. This year’s party took place Saturday morning in a drive-thru style due to the pandemic. “Oh, it’s going to be very different this year but can’t disappoint the children at all,” said Mrs. Claus. Santa is helping to put food on the table this Christmas along with presents under the tree.

Be Santa to a senior: Here’s how you can bring Christmas cheer to Houston-area seniors

The Houston Home Instead Senior Care office is seeking donations for seniors through its “Be a Santa to a Senior” program. “The Be a Santa to a Senior program brings so much joy to seniors in our community,” said Gregory Gomez-Mira, owner of the Houston Home Instead office. The Houston Home Instead Senior Care office serves Alvin, Baytown, Channel View, Bacliff, Deer Park, Dickinson, Kemah, La Porte, Galena Park, Manvel, Houston, League City, Pasadena, Pearland, Rosharon, Seabrook, Webster and Friendswood. Those who’d like to purchase a gifts for a senior can visit Beasantatoasenior.com, enter their zip code and view wish lists for local seniors. For more information about the Be a Santa to a Senior program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com.

Holiday magic is arriving at CityPlace and Springwoods Village for families

HOUSTON – New for this season are two, one-of-a-kind attractions that will be unveiled during a lighting ceremony at CityPlace Park – 1200 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389 – on Sunday, November 29 between 4 and 7 p.m. with help from Santa and Mrs. Claus. A super-sized, fantasy version of the holiday classic, the installation is anticipated to expand each year. This is a first of its kind endeavor for Kopelman, a pioneering and globally recognized haunted house producer, COO of the country’s largest escape room company, and co-founder of soon-to-open immersive experiential museum Seismique. In addition to enjoying an inaugural look, visitors of the evening’s complimentary festivities will also enjoy carolers and complimentary hot chocolate. For those unable to attend the kickoff, both the tree and gingerbread village will be on display through January 9 with free hot chocolate served on the Plaza every Thursday and Sunday from 4 until 7 p.m.

Vintage Christmas décor: See the best nostalgic pieces, read heartwarming stories KPRC 2 viewers shared

HOUSTON – From candles to custom ornaments, Houstonians are treasuring their Christmas décor. We asked our KPRC 2 Facebook followers to share their Christmas décor and received a stunning amount of submissions, some shared with special stories. Here are some of our favorite submissions and what people said about their holiday décor. But after deep research, my daughter found one in New York and to my surprise--THIS was the most treasured gift I received Christmas Day 2017. Love my Santa tree.

Racist letter targets Black Santa

(KARK/NBC News) – An Arkansas man’s response to a racist letter he received after installing a Black Santa inflatable in his yard is going viral. Chris Kennedy’s excitement for the holidays is mirrored in his North Little Rock front yard. I want kids to smile.”What puts a smile on many people’s face is an 8-foot-tall Black Santa that can’t be missed. Then on Monday, Kennedy received a letter he called racist, in which someone posing as “Santa” asked him to remove his Black Santa“Please remove your [racial slur] Santa. You should not try to deceive children into believing that I am a [racial slur] the letter states.

In Santa’s mailbag, a peek into children’s pandemic worries

From the first letters opened at the secretariat from Nov. 12, it quickly became apparent how the pandemic is weighing on children, says the chief elf, Jamila Hajji. One letter in three mentions the pandemic in some way, Hajji says. “The letters to Father Christmas are a sort of release for them. Replying to 12,000 letters per day, the team of 60 elves sets aside some that move them or catch the eye. One asked for “a pandemic of love.” A 77-year-old lamented that “lockdown is no fun!

Which holiday activities put you at the greatest risk of contracting COVID-19? The Texas Medical Association ranks them

The chart resembles another one that the Texas Medical Associated released earlier this year that shows which common activities put people at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. The new chart ranks 34 holiday activities from least to most risky “so holiday revelers can make informed choices during the busiest travel and social-gathering season of the year,” according to the association’s website. What is safe or not safe?’” Dr. Ogechika Alozie, an El Paso infectious disease specialist and TMA COVID-19 Task Force member, said on the association’s website. The chart was developed by the Texas Medical Association’s coronavirus task force, a team of front-line infectious disease and primary care physician experts tasked with advising fellow physicians across the state about COVID-19 developments. The TMA #COVID19 Task Force has developed a new version of our popular risk assessment chart to help you choose your activities wisely this holiday season.

BBB warns ‘Secret Santa’ and ‘Secret Sister’ gift exchange is illegal

It’s called the “Secret Santa” or “Secret Sister” and it’s a gift exchange, usually amongst women. It works like this:Secret Sister social media recruitment post (Copyright 2020 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.) Secret Sister social media post (Copyright 2020 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.) • Report social media posts. Some pyramid schemes try to win your confidence by claiming they’re legal and endorsed by the government.

6 free things to do this weekend to get you in the holiday spirit

HOUSTON – Here are some fun, free things going on this weekend to help get you into the holiday spirit. Pictures with Santa and the Satna House in River OaksYou can also take some free photos with Santa at the “Santa House” in River Oaks tomorrow. “Christmas Vacation” Screening at City Acre Brewing CompanyEnjoy a screening of the classic “Christmas Vacation” at City Acre Brewing Company off Topping Street Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will also be a Christmas photo booth, a fire pit for smores, holiday drink specials, and the Griswold family Christmas dinner-themed menu. Holiday Dance Showcase in the Sugar Land Town SquareEnjoy dance performances by local companies during the Holiday Dance Showcase in Sugar Land Town Square Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

6 must-see holiday light displays you can’t miss

Amanda Sorena, contributor with the popular parenting app and website, Mommy Nearest, shared the 6 must-see holiday light displays you can’t miss season. MAGICAL WINTER LIGHTSMagical Winter Lights (Magical Winter Lights)Fresh and multicultural display in La Marque. ZOO LIGHTSFamily at Zoo Lights (Houston Zoo)After closing, the Houston Zoo transforms into a magical light display with trees and exhibits aglow. Enjoy a 100-foot-long tunnel of light, a 4D enchanted forest, an ice dragon and “snow”“We always love Zoo lights. SUGAR LAND HOLIDAY LIGHTSSugar Land Holiday Lights (Sugar Land Holiday Lights)Constellation Field lights up with more than three million lights.

10 delicious recipes to make with your brand new Instant Pot

In case you didn't know, 2019 is all about pressure cooking, and the Instant Pot does that and so much more. We searched the internet far and wide to find the easiest, most delicious and fun Instant Pot recipes. Instant Pot Eggs Benedict from The Foodie and The FixEggs Benedict is a breakfast staple, so the fact that you can make it in an Instant Pot is beyond wild. Instant Pot Lemon Vegetable Risotto from Lexi's Clean KitchenLook, making risotto is stressful and difficult and has sent more chefs home on "Top Chef" than probably any other dish, but cooking risotto in an Instant Pot is easy and you almost can't mess it up. Instant Pot Mac & Cheese from DelishOK, y'all, you need to get into this mac and cheese recipe.

8 Christmas movies you have to watch

HOUSTON – When it comes to Christmas movies, there’s no shortage of choices. There are, however, some that stand the test of time and become traditional favorites of the holiday movie lover in all of us. Here’s my list of the Christmas movies you have to see during the holidays. "A Christmas Story" (1983)Let’s start with the obvious choice – “A Christmas Story.” This movie billed itself as a salute to an “All-American Christmas,” and it certainly lives up to that promise. (Rated PG-13)"Scrooged" (1988)This one doesn’t usually come to mind when you think about great holiday movies, but don’t let the modern, comedic façade of this classic Charles Dickens tale fool you.