Holidays

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List: Stores open, closed on New Year’s Day

Many stores are open during regular or limited hours on New Year’s Eve, but some stores doors are closed to start off the new year.

Here’s your warning: Don’t ring in 2022 with gunfire

As the River City prepares to ring in 2022 with fireworks, others may think about shooting off something else. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has been warning people against shooting guns during New Year's Eve celebrations for years.

List: New Year’s Eve celebrations in Northeast Florida 🎆

2021 is coming to a close, and soon it’ll be time to ring in the new year.

COVID-19 prompts changes to some Northeast Florida New Year’s Eve plans

Many New Year’s Eve celebrations are still a go despite COVID-19 cases surging across the country.

It’s trivia time: Test your New Year’s Eve knowledge with this fun quiz

You might think you know everything there is to know about New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but there’s actually some cool history behind the big days.

How will the holidays affect your garbage pickup this week?

News4Jax compiled a county-by-county breakdown of how trash service is affected by holidays.

Celebrating the new year with fireworks? Here are some safety tips

From celebrating the holidays to celebrating a new year, there are some safety recommendations for those buying fireworks.

Christmas tree recycling begins Tuesday in St. Johns County

St. Johns County is accepting trees Tuesday as part of its Christmas Tree-cycling Program.

Sulzbacher staff serves hundreds of hot meals to those in need on Christmas Day

The hot meals were distributed to clients at Sulzbacher’s East Adams Street and Springfield Boulevard locations.

This man wanted to cheer up sick kids in the hospital. He never imagined it would have led to a real-life Santa’s workshop.

If you drove past the former fire station in Hamburg, Michigan, you probably wouldn’t think much about it, but once you step inside, it’s like walking into Santa’s workshop.

Airbnb cracks down on disruptive parties in central Florida

If you’re planning to rent a home in central Florida over New Year’s Eve, you may be out of luck.

Stores around Jacksonville packed with last-minute shoppers

Last-minute shoppers packed the stores Friday for the final day of shopping before Christmas.

Hundreds of holiday meals delivered to homebound seniors, others in need

Several local groups teamed up Friday for their annual holiday meal delivery.

Dealing with stress during the holidays: You’re not alone

When you think of the holiday season, festive decorations, family and presents probably come to mind, but it can also be a stressful time of year for many individuals.

What stores & restaurants are open, closed on Christmas? Here’s a list

After all the presents have been opened, there’s always a chance you forgot that one thing, which perhaps warrants a quick trip to the store.

Share your photos: Let’s see your holiday lights or Christmas displays

Do you have the cutest house on the block?

Your most memorable holiday gifts: These responses will take you back to a better time

Whether it was a trendy gift or something particularly sentimental, we wanted to hear about it. So we asked you, our readers and viewers: What Christmas present do you remember most from childhood?

These kids stuck in the hospital for Christmas have a ‘Secret Santa’ of sorts – and he’s only 13

What were you doing when you were 13 years old, right around this time of year? Were you on Christmas break from school? Hanging out with your friends, by chance? Longing for the presents that were set to arrive on Christmas morning?

Some tips to navigate the busiest travel days for this holiday

Transportation Security Administration expects Thursday to be one of the busiest travel days going into the holidays.

How will the holidays affect your trash pickup this week?

News4Jax compiled a county-by-county breakdown of how trash service is affected by holidays.

‘Merry & Joy’: Positively JAX series with firefighters & law enforcement makes final delivery

The final delivery in our Positively JAX series “Merry & Joy” takes us to a family of seven.

‘Merry & Joy’: Donated surprises delivered to family of 5-year-old with cancer

We are continuing our Positively JAX series “Merry & Joy,” with Mary Baer and Joy Purdy delivering donated surprises to local families just in time for the holidays.

JEA is warning customers about scams during the holidays

JEA is warning customers to be on the alert for scammers who are preying on customers during the holiday season.

Simple, quick ways to save on gas ahead of holiday road trips

With gas prices a dollar higher than a year ago, local mechanics are helping people find ways to get the most bang for their buck.

Traveling for the holidays? Don’t overlook disinfecting your car. Here’s what to do.

We got expert advice from Consumer Reports on what to clean and how to clean it -- before you pack up and hit the road for the holidays.

Taking shoes off at the airport is a pain for travelers, but help could be on the way

As millions of people prepare to travel and navigate security checkpoints at airports this week across the United States, one element that can be a nuisance is having to take one’s shoes off while going through a security line.

Most expected to travel by car over Christmas holiday

With Christmas Day just around the corner, families have begun traveling to visit their loved ones.

‘Merry & Joy’: Woman’s story is inspiration to pay it forward

As we hope to inspire you to pay it forward from watching our Positively JAX series “Merry & Joy,” we found ourselves inspired by a woman who is going through a very tough time.

‘Merry & Joy’: Mother thankful for help from community, holiday meal & gift from police union

We are continuing our Positively JAX series “Merry & Joy” in the hopes of inspiring you to pay it forward this holiday season.

How to find that perfect present for the holidays

If you are struggling to find the perfect present for your loved one this holiday season, try not to worry.

‘Merry & Joy’: Special gifts arrive in the nick of time for nurse, her family

Our Positively JAX series “Merry & Joy” aims to inspire you to pay it forward this holiday season.

‘Tis the season for ... KFC? 5 holiday rituals from around the world

There are many holiday rituals that are celebrated by just about everyone around the world, whether that means exchanging gifts, family get-togethers or attending church services.

How to use Elf on the Shelf to inspire the real meaning of Christmas

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

‘Merry & Joy’: Gifts delivered to Jacksonville mother who usually delivers gifts

We’re helping people be “merry” with gifts of “joy” in hopes you’ll be inspired to pay it forward during the holidays.

5 ways to keep the kids healthy over holiday breaks

Here are some of the best ways to keep your kids healthy, both mentally and physically, over the upcoming holiday breaks.

Thinking about bringing your holiday cheer through song? 5 tips for caroling

If caroling is on your mind, here are five tips to know before warming up those vocal cords.

5 fun, tried-and-true things you should absolutely do with your kids this holiday season

As an adult, by my late 20s, I started to feel a little bit “meh” about Christmas. Sure, it was a nice time of year, and I enjoyed seeing my family when I could, but I didn’t really understand the appeal of decorating, baking or most holiday-themed events. All of that changed, however, once I got into my 30s and had kids.

5 holiday cocktails to get you in the Christmas spirit

Anyone hosting a holiday soiree in the next week or so, and you’re wondering what to offer in terms of a seasonally appropriate cocktail?

Sugar rush: Trying out the EPCOT holiday cookie stroll

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is well underway at Walt Disney World.

Flying for the holidays? This study shows how likely you are to be delayed or canceled

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, and Christmas is right behind, which means in the coming weeks, a LOT of people will be traveling.

Holiday hacks: The best way to keep your homemade cookies and cakes fresh, longer

Check out the best way to do this, and who knew, the secret to a fresh cake is the way you cut it?

Move aside, kids -- these board games are strictly for adults

Honestly, how fun is it to invite friends over for a game night?

You’ll get chills when you see this parade turnout following tragic Texas bus crash

Each year, more than 100 members of the Andrews High School band participate in a Christmas parade during the holiday season.

5 popular decor trends for 2021 holiday season

Each holiday season tends to produce different fads -- ones that sometimes make people say, “Why in the world was that so popular?”

Traveling by car for Christmas? This is what it could cost.

It’s no secret: Traveling by vehicle has gotten pricier this year.

Important shipping deadlines you need to know

Christmas is approaching fast and that means time is running out to ship those holiday packages.

How to keep your home safe during the holidays

You may not realize it but there are things that you do over the holidays that may be attracting thieves.

Old department store turns North Pole for Salvation Army Angel Tree toy giveaway

The Salvation Army will make Christmas wishes come true for thousands of local children on Wednesday with its annual Angel Tree toy event.

Holiday hacks: Gift wrapping workarounds that use less paper & tape

The holidays are busy, and they can get expensive.

The ultimate guide for watching Christmas movies this month

It’s that time of year again: To watch all of the classic (and a few new) Christmas movies -- and given how 2021 has gone, we could all use a little holiday cheer these days, right?

Nearly 110 million Americans expected to travel for year-end holidays, AAA says

Gearing up for the holidays: Nearly 110 million people are expected to travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, according to AAA.

Jet-setting? 4 tips to be sure you’re the first to get your checked luggage

Whether you’ve just arrived at a dream vacation or you’re getting back home from a work trip, quickly getting out of the airport and on to your final destination is always the goal.

Trying to find your first house in time for the holidays? 5 tips for new homebuyers

With December here, there is no better holiday gift to pursue than your first home.

Here are the best, worst days to travel for the 2021 holiday season

Whether you’ve already booked holiday travel plans, or you’re waiting for the last minute to make sure there aren’t restrictions, there are certain things to keep in mind about which days will be best to travel, and what resources might be more scarce than in years past.

5 ways to keep your blood pressure down this holiday season

For the 80 million Americans with high blood pressure, the hectic holiday crunch is a time for a little extra caution.

What’s up with Hallmark Christmas movies, and why are some Boomers so obsessed with them?

As an aging millennial who has the privilege of living with my parents while I save up to buy a house in this crazy housing market, I’ve noticed something about my parents that I had no clue about, previously: They’re obsessed with Hallmark Christmas movies.

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