Monday, December 24, 2012
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 …
Monday, December 17, 2012
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.
Monday, December 10, 2012
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 …
Monday, December 3, 2012
Want those cards and packages to arrive in time for Christmas? Find out the drop-dead dates from the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS.
If you want Santa Claus to arrive on time with holiday packages to military, international or U.S. destinations, the U.S. Postal Service has announced the dates those packages must be in the mail. So has FedEx and UPS. Here's what you need to know to get your packages to their destinations on time. Post Office Locations The O'Fallon post office is located at 401 Church St. The post office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Postal Service Shipping Deadlines Military Shipping Deadlines* Parcel Post service to all APO/FPO/DPO addresses was Nov. 13. Priority and First Class Mail must be sent by Dec. 3 to APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093, and Dec. 10 to all other military addresses. *The deadline for…
Monday, November 26, 2012
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 …
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Other stores in the mall will open at 5 a.m.
More than 50 stores at West County Center will open at midnight on Black Friday, Nov. 23. The mall's other stores will open at 5 a.m., with times varying slightly for department stores. Here's a look at West County Center stores that will open at midnight on Black Friday. Temporary Tenants *List is subject to change. Contact stores for more information. Other department store opening times on Black Friday. jcpenney: 6 a.m. Nordstrom: 9 a.m. Information provided by CBL St. Louis Malls.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Books make great holiday gifts for young kids.
Toy catalogs and commercials have children begging for the latest new toys, but a bounty of books also appeal to kids’ varied interests while honing early reading skills. As Dr. Seuss wrote “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Open a new world of understanding while pushing your kids to the top of the class with these literary picks. Head to Rose's Bookhouse to find these great books that fit your children’s interests. For the budding artist: The Wall Street Journal recommends What is Contemporary Art? A Guide for Kids from New York’s Museum of Modern Art. A great book to prompt further discussion, kids and parents can share their impressions of the contemporary artwork …
Friday, November 9, 2012
Don't let Halloween candy go to waste.
Halloween has come and gone, but now you’re left with a cauldron of candy. Yes, you can nibble your way to New Year’s, but maybe you are looking for more creative ways to use it up. With the holidays right around the corner, how about turning that candy into holiday treats? We’ve browsed the web for some of the most tempting suggestions to transform that candy into something almost unrecognizable. What about you? How have you used leftover Halloween candy to turn into a holiday treat? Share your ideas!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Share pics of your special Valentine's Day cards, flowers and more.
For Valentine's Day, many shower their significant others with flowers, heart shaped candy and teddy bears. No matter how you celebrate this day of love, we want to see your photos! Share pictures of your special Valentine's Day cards, flowers and more right here on O'Fallon Patch. You can share your photos by clicking "Upload Photos and Videos" above this article.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
See our roundup so your gifts arrive in time for your loved ones to unwrap on Christmas.
It doesn't matter how great your Christmas gift is if it doesn't arrive on Christmas. Check out our guide to shipping gifts below. However, be sure to call the closest location or check the respective websites for specific shipment dates and prices. FedEx You can ship domestically through Christmas Day using same-day service, FedEx's website states. Check the website for specific international shipments. United States Postal Service Domestic express mail must be shipped by Dec. 22, the U.S. Postal Service's website states. Other important dates include: United Parcel Service Domestic shipments should be sent no later than Dec. 22. International shipment varies, but you should allow for 1-7 days of shipping time, depending on the …
Michelle
12:48 pm on Monday, December 24, 2012
The gifts get piled under the tree all month (no name tags, secret coded by Santa as to what present goes to whom), Santa has always brought and filled the stockings (per the Night before Christmas). All presents are opened Christmas morning. more ›