Parents Talk

Parents Talk: What Are Your Holiday Traditions?

Share your family's traditions with us.

We all remember some holiday traditions from when we were kids.  When I was a kid, one of my favorites was arguing with my brothers about who got to hang the beloved ornament on the tree. The "Mouse House," as we called it, was special because inside a mushroom was a family of mice, each doing their own thing. We would stick a lightbulb inside the house from a string of lights so you could see what was going on inside. I know, I know, that sounds pretty lame. But it's just one of those things that sticks with me. With all that's going on in the world right now, sometimes it's nice to take a break and think about memories that are simple and happy. We want to know: What are those traditions that just "stick with you?"  Did your Grandma make…

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Check Out the Best 'Decked' House in St. Michael, Albertville

You voted and this house was the top local vote-getter in our Deck the House contest.

Who has the best “decked” house in St. Michael and Albertville? According to users who voted in our annual Deck the House contest, Kelly Duncan's Albertville home has the best holiday lights in town. Duncan submitted a photo of her house to Patch's Deck the House contest in early December. Congratulations to the Duncan household, with holiday spirit both inside and outside their house! Although the Duncan house didn't make it into the 25 finalists nationwide, the community can still vote for the country's winner.  We had tons of national entries in this year’s Deck the House contest and in our quest to find the most over-the-top holiday decorations in the country, we’ve seen everything from a life-size Santa to holiday lights so bright …

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Happy Holidays from Patch

Wishing all of you a happy holiday! Share your family holiday photos and season's greetings.

As 2011 comes to a close, the Patch staff in the northwest Twin Cities metro area wants to wish you a Happy Holidays! Feel free to upload your holiday photos of family and friends and share your season's greetings in comments. Pictured (left to right) Plymouth-MN Patch Local Editor Stefanie Briggs, Lake Minnetonka Patch Local Editor Jay Corn, Maple Grove Patch Local Editor Wendy Erlien, Associate Regional Editor Kevira Voegele, Golden Valley Patch Local Editor Mary Costello, Hopkins Patch Local Editor James Warden (back) and St. Michael Patch Local Editor Mike Schoemer. Not pictured: Advertising Manager Gretchen Lowery and Advertising Manager Eric Best.

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Chad

8:10 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011

Because Christmas isn't the only winter holiday being celebrated.   more ›

St. Michael Family Puts On Synchronized Lights And Music Show

St. Michael dad, Derek Landon, has put over 60 hours in to his synchronized light show and has even bigger plans for next year.

The Landon family of four was driving around looking at lights last winter, and a certain house in Plymouth really inspired the family. "This house had synchronized lights and music and I thought, 'I could do that!'" Derek said. Derek, a salesman by day, went to school for computer programming and electronics. "This is stuff I know," he said. Derek uses a program called Lightorama that allows him to control the lights and music from his computer. The unit he has controls 16 things, but he has hopes to triple that for next year. Each night around 5:15, one can drive up, turn their radio to 89.1 and a variety of Christmas and pop music begins thanks to a FM transmitter Derek has programmed to play music from his computer. The lights starts …

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Church Services Set for Christmas in St. Michael, Albertville

A complete list of mass and service times at St. Michael and Albertville churches.

The Christian community will celebrate Christmas this week, with thousands attending church services in the St. Michael and Albertville area. Services around the area are set for this holiday. Here are times and places around town. St. Michael Catholic Church Christmas Eve masses are set for 4 p.m. (Children's Mass), 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. (Midnight Mass). Attendees of the 4 p.m. service are asked to arrive early and make room for a large crowd. More than 1,500 people regularly attend this event, which is a St. Michael tradition.  Christmas Day services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.  The Feast of the Holy Family, which is Friday, Dec. 30, is set for 7:45 a.m. at the Historic Church (with St. Michael Catholic School students). St. Albert …

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Line Ready to Ring the Bell Again in St. Michael

Performer Lorie Line and her "Fab Five" will make their way to St. Michael in less than two weeks. Tickets are on sale now.

Pianist Lorie Line will be making a stop in St. Michael Dec. 10 for her holiday extravaganza show, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," one stop in her tour of 36 cities. "I love making people happy during the holiday season," said Line. " I get the opportunity to take fans to a great place for just a couple of hours." Line, from Wayzata, has been touring for more than 20 years and she owns the largest woman-owned independent record company in the country. Her shows are known for the elaborate costumes and include a range of musicians who accompany her. For her holiday shows, children attending the concert–recommended for ages 4 and up–will be invited to join Santa Claus on stage. Fans are looking forward to Line's third visit to the community, …

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Share Your Holiday Recipes With Patch

Have a dish that's to die for? Let other Patch readers know your secret.

The holiday season is upon us, which for many means a time of great meals with the ones we love. And great meals start with great recipes, passed down from generation to generation. These family cooking traditions bring people together during the holidays. Patch editors and readers from across Minnesota have rounded up a few of their favorite family recipes, which we are sharing with you. If you have a great holiday recipe of your own to share, please post it in the comments section below. You can also add a photo of your delicious dish by clicking on the "submit photo" button below. Happy holidays, from all of us at Patch. *** Pumpkin Pie Dip Mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla and spices, blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in Cool Whip …

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Deb

6:26 am on Friday, November 25, 2011

Thank you Betsy. I will keep my eye out for them.   more ›