With the weather in Ohio being exceptionally nice for this time of year lately, I know of more than a few people who’ve already put up (but not turned on) their Christmas lights and outdoor decorations.
I often put mind up the weekend before Thanksgiving so I can turn them on Thanksgiving night after dinner. I like them to be on for the early morning Black Friday shoppers heading out. We’ll see if that happens this year or if I’ll be freezing my fingertips off in a few weeks trying to get them up before it’s too late to bother.
But when do you turn them on for the first time (other than to check)?
As of noon today, 99.9 Lite FM switched over to Christmas music 24/7 through at least the end of the year.
In previous years the switch has happened the Friday before Thanksgiving, but this year it’s another day earlier (as much of the holiday trimming, shopping and spirit seems to be this year). You can listen live on their Web site if you aren’t in their listening area.
If you aren’t ready for Christmas music just yet, an e-mail from 99.9 invited members to listen to their sister station MIX 107.7.
Also today, woxy.com (formerly a station in Oxford, then Cincinnati and then finally online) announced that their Holiday Mixer is up and running until the new year if you’re looking for something a little different. According to their site, the Mixer features “hundreds of seasonal tunes and is filled with unique renditions of your holiday favorites by modern rockers from around the globe.” The woxy.com staff and offices recently moved to Texas but since they are online only, you can listen to them from anywhere and get your Christmas on. > Listen to it now.
All this Christmas music talk leads to the inevitable question: What’s your favorite Christmas song? Note: This poll couldn’t possibly include everyone’s favorites, otherwise it would just be more of a list. So vote and/or comment with your favorites below.
If you’ve been inside a store lately, you know that around southwest Ohio (and one would assume, around the country) it’s beginning to look, and sound and yes, even feel, a lot like Christmas.
Stores seem to have skipped right on over Thanksgiving and all of it’s delicious food delight. The few Thanksgiving items stores did have available were sent away like the jack-o-lanterns rotting on the porch with the leftover Halloween goodies and are long-since gone.
But, this is good news if you’re already getting in the holiday spirit. Carols are playing on store radios, gift ideas, candy and decor are everywhere. Stores are already starting their big sales (and price wars).
It’s enough to make a person want to put up the tree and start wrapping gifts. I know a few people who’ve done just that.
So what do you think? Is it too early or just right for the holidays to be upon us? Vote and share your thoughts below.
It may only be November but the United States Postal Service is at the ready with this year’s holiday stamp designs.
Featuring a reindeer, a snowman, a gingerbread man and a toy soldier (similar to the nutcrackers of last year), the stamps, which were designed by Joseph Cudd of Greensboro, NC, come in booklets of 20 stamps for $8.80 (or a 5 pack of booklets with 100 stamps for $44).
This year’s lineup includes: Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, Roman Polanski’s Repulsion, Re-Animator, Shaun of the Dead, the original Friday the 13th, Night of the Living Dead and the area premiere of The House of the Devil [click for trailer - if you aren’t too scared!].
Yes, you read that correctly. There are 7 horror movies in that lineup. That means you’re seeing each movie for less than $3 each if you break it down.
In addition to the movies, there will be a costume contest with prizes and numerous horror movie trailers (new and old).
Tickets can be purchased now using PayPal or you can get them at the door. The first movie starts at 9:30 p.m. Don’t forget your pillows!
Also happening this weekend (Friday, Oct. 23) is the 13th Annual Horrorama at Englewood Cinema. Horrorama 2009 features Pumpkinhead, The Unseen, Tourist Trap and Nightmare and is hosted by Dr. Creep. The event will also have prizes and contests.
Tickets are $11 in advance and $13 the day of the show. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Gabriel Brothers stores have marked down their Halloween merchandise 30-50% off already.
I checked out the selection at the Beavercreek store over the weekend and found some nice decorations (including signs, airblown inflatables, a standing witch and cauldron and more). They also had a small selection of costumes and costume accessories.
Over the weekend, the costumes were up to 50% off and the decor was 30% off.
If you’ve never been to a Gabriel Brothers store, they can take some getting used to. They have a large selection of clothing (kids-teens-adults-plus), kitchen and housewares, shoes, seasonal items, rugs, and a newly added home decor area.
Sometimes I can go in and find absolutely nothing that I want and be completely unimpressed and other times it’s possible to spend quite a while combing through the clothing racks and walk out with a number of great finds.
It’s a little over 3 weeks until Halloween. Have you decided what you’re going to dress up as (or what your kids will be)?
If you’re making your own costume the time is now to get started on it. Better to have it ready in plenty of time than to be sewing or pinning items on at the last minute.
Given that most pre-made costumes cost anywhere from $15-$100+ it can be significantly cheaper to make your own from materials you already have or items you find at a thrift store.
This black lab costume placed at a past Halloween costume contest
I attend a costume contest and parade in Fairborn almost every year. Year after year, it’s not the store-bought costumes that win the top prizes. The winners are usually the unique, home-made ones.
If you need some costume inspiration just look around. Pop culture often dictates what the popular costumes are each year. This year it’s expected that Michael Jackson costumes (from various stages of his life) will be popular. Thriller anyone? Other movies and TV shows that might lead to some popular costumes this year: My Bloody Valentine 3D, Friday the 13th, Halloween, Monsters vs. Aliens, Coraline, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, G-Force, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Hannah Montana: The Movie, True Blood and Glee.
Tricks and Treats is a festive look at seasonal and holiday decorating, shopping and more. We will fill you in on fun and new decorations, holiday shopping, delightful foods, planning great parties and more.
Pyramid Hill lights up
Women of Excellence Awards
16th Annual Music Festival
What do you think?
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