Holiday Helper: Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving & more - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Exercise caution before joining a gym

Joining a club can be a smart idea -- as long as doing so doesn't mire you in a costly contract, and you actually put your membership to good use. More>>

Today's Top Stories on News Leader 9

Dealing with the post-holiday debt blues

It is time to face a sobering reality: Creditors want to collect on the charges you made while you were caught up in the holiday festivities. More>>

Decorating for Kwanzaa

You may not have observed Kwanzaa before, but this tribute to community pride is a wonderful way to bring your family together in a celebration of African-American family, community, history and culture. More>>

Simple strategies to prevent weight gain during the holidays

Holidays seem to go hand in hand with plenty of food and drinks, but there are ways to prevent holiday weight gain. More>>

It's OK for kids to keep believing in Santa, expert says

Children should be allowed to believe in Santa Claus as long as they want, an expert says. More>>

Unique gift wrapping ideas

There's a wide world of ways to wrap a present. More>>

Extended warranties: Useful or wasteful?

What you should know before you buy. More>>

Peppermint bark recipes

Bring this sweet treat to a holiday potluck or party, and just smile enigmatically when the other guests assume you spent hours over the stove. More>>

Change your mind about fruitcake

This sophisticated take on the classic Christmas fruitcake  is far from a punchline. Sweet, spiced, and dense, with a bright rum glaze, it's a perfect holiday treat for giving as a gift — or for keeping to yourself. More>>

Here's what keeps Rudolph's 'nose so bright'

Scientists report that they have uncovered the biology behind the magic of how Rudolph's nose glows in the dark as he guides Santa's sleigh around the globe on Christmas Eve. More>>

Gift guide for the modern day conspiracy theorist

There's no harm in getting friends and family prepared for the apocalypse, right? More>>

Keep your dog safe during hectic holiday season

Christmas can be a stressful and dangerous time for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. More>>

How to throw a Secret Santa party

Hosting a secret Santa party is easy with a little preparation. Here's what you need to do to lay the foundation for a great secret Santa exchange. More>>

Vintage Christmas decorations

Holiday decorating goes through fashions and styles, and the tree you remember as if it was yesterday has become today's vintage look. More>>

Gadget givers urged to consider ramifications

Gifts of electronic gadgets, like smartphones and laptops, no doubt bring glee to the teens who receive them. But people thinking of gifting such devices to a kid might want to consider the broader ramifications. More>>

A thoroughly modern latke

It may not be traditional, but if you like a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, this latke is for you.
More>>

Holiday gift guide for the anti-Apple fanboy

Got that someone on your list who refuses to join the Apple bandwagon? No worries, these are the gadgets made for geeks against Macintosh. More>>

Learning to love eggnog

You need to start this recipe the day before you plan on serving it, but it's well worth the wait. More>>

7 ways to survive the holiday shopping season without busting your budget

Retailers may be excited about robust holiday sales, but consumers need to exercise restraint. More>>

Make sure toys you buy are safe for tots

Toy shopping season is here and experts urge parents and others to make sure any gifts they buy for children are safe and age-appropriate. More>>

Best Cyber Monday deals

Get ready for the biggest online shopping day of the year with this handy guide to all the best Cyber Monday deals.
More>>

Avoid online holiday shopping pitfalls

Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud with safe-shopping tips. More>>

Top 10 reasons for winter weight gain

Here are the top reasons for winter weight gain and what you can do to avoid them. More>>

Crash stats paint a grim holiday picture for some

Speeding, alcohol and weather are among the factors that increase the risk of fatal traffic crashes around Thanksgiving, according to a new study. More>>

Ultimate guide to Black Friday deals

The craziest holiday saving season is upon us, and here's a look at upcoming sales on gadgets and accessories -- if you dare brave the lines. More>>

Kick off the holiday season with a healthier Thanksgiving

Lightening up recipes and focusing on family rather than food are just two of the ways people can enjoy a healthier Thanksgiving. More>>

A bountiful shore: Celebrating Thanksgiving on the Chesapeake Bay

Thanksgiving is a coming together of one cook's favorite Eastern Shore traditions, and a celebration of the local foods that have fed the people of this peninsula for generations. More>>

Walmart introduces ‘Black Thursday’ in a conspiracy against family traditions

You better plan ahead - way ahead - for upcoming Black Friday sales this year, especially now that Walmart will open up stores at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Thursday. More>>

Home slice: Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie is an American original. More>>

How to ditch your debt before the holidays

5 steps to starting the New Year with a better financial plan. More>>

Recycle those old crayons Video included

Making something new out of something old is a great way to teach your kids about the power of recycling. More>>

Supposedly leaked document outlines Xbox 720 plans

Though it should be taken with a grain of salt, a newly discovered document holds some very interesting ideas about the next Xbox. More>>

Mattel plans to make Back to the Future hover boards

With the popularity of the Back to the Future franchise spawning new products, Mattel is the latest company to jump in the Delorean and race up to 88 miles per hour. More>>

How to clean stains after New Year's Eve parties

The joyous occasion of celebrating the New Year with friends and family can sometimes be a messy affair. More>>

New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world

New Year's Eve traditions have been observed by the world over with many traditions embraced globally and many still country-bound. More>>

How to recycle wrapping paper

Everyone likes to receive a brightly wrapped present for the holidays, but after the decorative paper comes off, what can you do to repurpose the sparkly stuff? More>>

Eco-friendly Christmas cleanup Video included

The Christmas cleanup is never fun, but it can be easy and green!  Here are some tips that will help you find new purposes for things you probably considered tossing in the garbage! More>>

Received an unwanted gift card? Sell or swap it!

Tis the season... for gift cards. If you received one you don't want to use, there are ways to turn it into either one you want or into cold hard cash. More>>

  • Kwanzaa: Sharing African RootsKwanzaa: Sharing African Roots

  • You may not have observed Kwanzaa before, but this tribute to community pride is a wonderful way to bring your family together in a celebration of African-American family, community, history and culture.
    You may not have observed Kwanzaa before, but this tribute to community pride is a wonderful way to bring your family together in a celebration of African-American family, community, history and culture.
  • More than just a feast, Kwanzaa is a chance to reflect on the seven principles that have sustained our ancestors and will contribute to our future.
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