Make a Mother's Day Calendar in St. Charles

My Handyworks, located at 104 S Main St., is helping kids make Mother's Day special.

Family Gift Traditions on Christmas Day

Does your family open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

I have a sister who is 12-years younger than me, so in my family we have always exchanged presents bright and early on Christmas morning.  As soon as our baby sister was awake, so was the rest of the family. Down the stairs we went to see what Santa had in store.  Some families wait until Christmas morning to exchange gifts, while for others, it's tradition to open one present on Christmas Eve.  Over the past month, some Patch readers have shared their Christmas traditions, worst gifts and best gifts with us. Now we want to know, what is your family Christmas gift tradition? Do you draw names or participate in a white elephant gift? Do you pile presents under the tree throughout the month of December, or do you wait of Jolly St. Nick to …

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The Best Christmas Gift Ever

What gift have you received that left you speechless—in a good way?

Everyone has that one gift they'll never forget. No, it's not that ugly sweater that was never worn. This gift is memorable for all the right reasons. They say it's better to give than to receive, but getting gifts can be pretty great.  Last week we shared stories of bad gifts, but this time we're going to look at the other side of the coin. What was the best gift you've ever received at the holidays?  Was it that toy you really wanted when you were six? Was it that first bike? Maybe it was an engagement ring. Whatever it was, let us know. What's the one gift you received that you'll never forget. 

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Jordan Lanham

4:59 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

That's really sweet Nancy! Thanks so much for sharing! I hope you can spend some time with your family this Christmas!   more ›

The Worst Christmas Gift Ever

What gift have you received that left you speechless?

There's one every Christmas, it seems. That gift that puzzles you, irritates you, embarrasses you, frustrates you. And even if you know in your heart that it's Christmas and that you should be gracious and thankful, you just want to shake your head in disbelief? Was it the ugly Christmas sweater that you gave to Aunt Margie last year, carefully wrapped and unknowingly (or knowingly) re-gifted right back to you? Was it that set of salt-and-pepper shakers shaped like cheese wedges that your grandmother gave you because she thinks you need a hobby, and shouldn't everyone have a collection of something? Was it the donation made in your name to a charity you would never have wanted to support, but that the giver supports enthusiastically? The …

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Tamara Duncan

12:25 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Great story, Nicole!   more ›

Ask the Patch Pro: Seeking Local Techies

Patch is looking for experts who can talk electronics and share their expertise this week.

It's the season of giving and chances are, you probably have some fancy technology to cross off your holiday shopping lists. Patch wants to help find the answers to all your questions about Blue-ray players, iPads, smartphones and television sets, but we need a little help.  In the latest edition of "Ask the Patch Pro" we need local experts who can answer readers' questions and offer advice. If you are a local techie or consider yourself an expert and can answer these questions and more, let us know two ways. One: You can leave a comment on this post. Two: You can send an email to jordan.lanham@patch.com. We need experts to answer questions on Thursday, Nov. 29.  Curious as to what we are looking for? Take a look at some of our previous …

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