Holiday Helper - CBS 5

(Source: WWBT/user dannydow)

Christmas decorations

We've gathered the best of the best of your 2012 Christmas decorations from around the country. Take a peek and browse through some awesome homemade displays that may give you inspiration for next year. More>>

More News

SLIDESHOW: Top 15 Naughtiest Cities

Is your city naughty or nice? With Christmas right around the corner, dating website WhatsYourPrice.com conducted a study to reveal which cities were on the naughty or nice list. See if your city made the "naughty" list. More>>

SLIDESHOW: Ugly Christmas sweaters

How ugly is too ugly? When it comes to Christmas sweaters, the ugly fun knows no bounds. Check out some ugly Christmas sweaters submitted by viewers in all their beaded, belled and sequined glory. More>>

SLIDESHOW: Holiday travel destinations

Every year, millions of Americans travel across the country for Christmas, either to visit family or to get away from them. Travel booking company Orbitz has compiled a list of the Top 10 Christmas destinations. More>>

SLIDESHOW

Kids scared of Santa

(Source: Shannon Marie Photography)

These kids are not the biggest fans of good ol' St. Nick. More>>

Send us photos of your Christmas decorations!

Updated:

It's almost December, which means Christmas is right around the corner. And a large part of the tradition is decorating - whether that means turning your whole house into a seizure-inducing rendition of More>>

SLIDESHOW

Gov. Brewer lights state Christmas tree

Governor Jan Brewer and local students lit the state Christmas tree today. More>>

SLIDESHOW: Hot holiday toys for 2012

Which toys Santa should bring is on a lot of parent's minds. Here are some of this year's hottest holiday toys to help you get ahead of rush. More>>

SLIDESHOW: Holiday cooking apps

Your guide to using your smartphone or tablet as a cookbook. More>>

Time to start looking for the perfect Christmas tree

Updated:

Christmas is just right around the corner, and that means it's time to start searching the forest for the perfect tree. More>>

140,000 light Christmas display illuminates the night

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You might say things got a little out of control for Chad Koosman, a 28-year-old lawn irrigation contractor who is responsible for most of the traffic down a rural road just outside of Willmar, MN. More>>

SPECIAL SECTION

Military Mailbag

TruWest Credit Union presents the CBS 5 Military Mailbag. Each day leading up to the new year, CBS 5 will bring you holiday messages from Arizona military men and women stationed overseas. More>>

10 survival tips for holiday travel

Whether you're jetting off on a beach vacation or heading home for the holidays, use these 10 foolproof strategies to battle the crowds and make your flight more bearable. More>>

Holiday TravelMore>>
10 survival tips for holiday travel
10 survival tips for holiday travel
Whether you're jetting off on a beach vacation or heading home for the holidays, use these 10 foolproof strategies to battle the crowds and make your flight more bearable.More >
Family Travel 101
Family Travel
- Packing Tips
- Traveling with Teens
- National Parks
- Family Hotels
- Family Travel BooksMore >
Your Holiday Travel Doesn't Have to Be a Tragic Comedy
Your Holiday Travel Doesn't Have to Be a Tragic Comedy
Holiday travel can turn the most hardened traveler into a forlorn victim of circumstance. If you promise not to tell, we'll share some ways to beat the system for flying, for driving and for riding the train.More >
Fly the Holidays... Without Getting Left Up in the Air
Fly the Holidays... Without Getting Left Up in the Air
Many of these tips apply year-round, but, saving time during the holiday season is especially important, as delays are inevitable, connections are tight, tempers are hot, and spare seats are few and far between. More >
Cherish the Memories
After every vacation it's great to have pictures and small souvenirs that bring back memories of your trip. More >

Ways to GiveMore>>
Arizona Gives Day
Arizona Gives Day
(Source: azgives.razoo.com)
It's one extraordinary day to support the organizations that make Arizona strong, and it's your chance to make a real impact! From 12 am until 11:59 p.m. today only, every donation you make to your favorite Arizona nonprofit gives that organization a chance to win MORE MONEY through awards and prizes!More >
Concerns of Police Survivors, Arizona Chapter (C.O.P.S., Arizona)
Concerns of Police Survivors, Arizona Chapter (C.O.P.S., Arizona)
(Source: arizonacops.com)
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S., Arizona) is the Arizona chapter of a national organization that supports the families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Arizona.More >
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S., Arizona) is the Arizona chapter of a national organization that supports the families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Arizona.More >
St. Mary's Food Bank
St. Mary's Food Bank
St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, the world's first food bank, is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization. Serving two-thirds of Arizona's 15 counties, the organization is committed to volunteerism, building community relationships and improving the quality of life for Arizonans in need.More >
Back to School Clothing Drive
Back to School Clothing Drive
© CBS 5
The mission of the Back to School Clothing Drive is to provide new school uniforms and outfits, backpacks, and school supplies for children in need. More >
The mission of the Back to School Clothing Drive is to provide new school uniforms and outfits, backpacks, and school supplies for children in need. Today, we serve approximately 20,000 school children through three signature programs:
1) The New Clothes New Beginnings Annual Clothing Distribution;
2) Our year-round matching grants school uniform program, Student Attire For Education (SAFE) and;
3) The Stitches of Love program.More >
The Red Cross Club of Boulder Creek HS holding Crisis Nursery donation drive
The Red Cross Club of Boulder Creek HS holding Crisis Nursery donation drive
(Source: crisisnurseryphx.org)
The Red Cross Club of Boulder Creek High School is holding a donation drive for the Crisis Nursery from March 11 to March 22.More >
The Red Cross Club of Boulder Creek High School is holding a donation drive for the Crisis Nursery from March 11 to March 22. This is a great way to help this wonderful organization provide safe environments for at-risk children.More >
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 6 through 18.More >
LINK
Support officers by donating to 100 Club of AZ
Support officers by donating to 100 Club of AZ
The 100 Club of Arizona supports those behind the badge and their families.More >
The 100 Club of Arizona supports those behind the badge and their families.More >

Health and FitnessMore>>
Simple strategies to prevent weight gain during the holidays
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 >
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
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 >
Children should be allowed to believe in Santa Claus as long as they want, an expert says.More >
Here's what keeps Rudolph's 'nose so bright'
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 >
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 >
Keep your dog safe during hectic holiday season
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 >
Christmas can be a stressful and dangerous time for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club.More >
Gadget givers urged to consider ramifications
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 >
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 >
Crash stats paint a grim holiday picture for some
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 >
Speeding, alcohol and weather are among the factors that increase the risk of fatal traffic crashes around Thanksgiving, according to a new study.More >
Kick off the holiday season with a healthier Thanksgiving
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 >
Lightening up recipes and focusing on family rather than food are just two of the ways people can enjoy a healthier Thanksgiving.More >
Exercise caution before joining a gym
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 >
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 >

Planning & HostingMore>>
Recycle those old crayons
Recycle those old crayons
Making something new out of something old is a great way to teach your kids about the power of recycling.More >
Making something new out of something old is a great way to teach your kids about the power of recycling.More >
How to clean stains after New Year's Eve parties
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 >
Creative DIY Christmas centerpiece ideas
Creative DIY Christmas centerpiece ideas
You don't need to spend lots of valuable holiday money buying decorative centerpieces. Beautiful Christmas centerpieces are easy and fun to create at home.More >
Simple DIY Christmas crafts with mason jars
Simple DIY Christmas crafts with mason jars
Try some of these simple and easy to make Christmas crafts with mason jars for candles, food, air freshener, lighting and more.More >
Natural Christmas decorations for the fireplace mantel
Natural Christmas decorations for the fireplace mantel
This year, try decorating your fireplace mantel with natural Christmas decorations, and invite the beauty of nature into your home.More >
Country Christmas decoration ideas
Country Christmas decoration ideas
If you long for the warmth and simplicity Christmastime brought during our rural history, create your own old fashioned, country Christmas with some simple decorating touches.More >
Traditional Christmas front door decoration ideas
Traditional Christmas front door decoration ideas
Your front door is one of the first things to greet holiday guests, so use all of your favorite holiday materials and colors to welcome friends and family to your door.More >
11 common holiday home decor mistakes
11 common holiday home decor mistakes
Before you begin your holiday decorating this year, use this list of the top holiday decorating mistakes as a guide to prevent style and safety faux-pas.More >

TravelMore>>
SLIDESHOW
Best U.S. road trips
Best U.S. road trips
Summertime means hitting the open road. If you've got the time (and gas money), take a drive down one or more of these scenic yet challenging routes compiled by the AARP.More >
Summertime means hitting the open road. If you've got the time (and gas money), take a drive down one or more of these scenic yet challenging routes compiled by the AARP.More >
Top 20 travel destinations in US
Top 20 travel destinations in US
Trip Advisor has ranked this year's most popular U.S. travel destinations with their 2013 Travelers' Choice Destinations awards.
More >
Trip Advisor has ranked this year's most popular U.S. travel destinations with their 2013 Travelers' Choice Destinations awards.More >
SLIDESHOW
AZ's plethora of specialty license plates
AZ's plethora of specialty license plates
Arizona has more than 55 specialty license plates issued through the Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicles Division. Here's a gander at the plates from the DOT website to help you keep them straight.More >
Arizona has more than 55 specialty license plates issued through the Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicles Division. Here's a gander at the plates from the DOT website to help you keep them straight. More >
SLIDESHOW
America's top 10 islands
America's top 10 islands
When people think of the United States, an "island" is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there are actually several fantastic islands in the U.S. - and they're not all in Hawaii.More >
When people think of the United States, an 'island' is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there are actually several fantastic islands in the U.S. - and they're not all in Hawaii.More >
Holiday travel destinations
Holiday travel destinations
Orlando, Florida
Every year, millions of Americans travel across the country for Christmas, either to visit family or to get away from them. Travel booking company Orbitz has compiled a list of the Top 10 Christmas destinations.More >
Every year, millions of Americans travel across the country for Christmas, either to visit family or to get away from them. Travel booking company Orbitz has compiled a list of the Top 10 Christmas destinations.More >

FinancesMore>>
Dealing with the post-holiday debt blues
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 >
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 >
Extended warranties: Useful or wasteful?
Extended warranties: Useful or wasteful?
What you should know before you buy.More >
What you should know before you buy.More >
7 ways to survive the holiday shopping season without busting your budget
7 ways to survive the holiday shopping season
Retailers may be excited about robust holiday sales, but consumers need to exercise restraint.More >
Retailers may be excited about robust holiday sales, but consumers need to exercise restraint.More >
Avoid online holiday shopping pitfalls
Avoid online holiday shopping pitfalls
Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud with safe-shopping tips.More >
Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud with safe-shopping tips.More >
Ultimate guide to Black Friday deals
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 >
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 >
How to create a holiday budget
How to create a holiday budget
`Tis the season... for spending. Before you head to the shopping malls or online stores, take a moment to make a budget for the holidays.More >
5 ways to avoid going broke before the holidays
5 ways to avoid going broke before the holidays
With some intention and careful management, you can sail through the holiday season and make it to 2012 without gaining too much (spending) weight.More >
How to ditch your debt before the holidays
How to ditch your debt before the holidays
5 steps to starting the New Year with a better financial plan.More >
5 steps to starting the New Year with a better financial plan.More >