End of the world as we know it? Region residents feel fine

Will Friday really be the end of the world as we know it? From movies and music to documentaries and television series, the notion that the world may end on Dec. 21, 2012, has dominated popular culture in recent years.

One of a Kind Show offers unique shopping

The 12th annual One of a Kind Show and Sale brought more than 600 individual artisans to the Merchandise Mart in Downtown Chicago from Dec. 6-9.

Right at Home: chic gifts that give back

Gift giving feels good, and can feel even better if you know your purchase is helping those less fortunate. Luckily, a number of home décor retailers partner with charitable organizations; many do so year round, with additional initiatives during the holiday season.

Hobart schools will present 'Polar Express,' Santa Dec. 1

HOBART | The School City of Hobart will celebrate the Christmas season by presenting "The Polar Express," at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the high school, 2211 E. 10th St.

You don’t have to gain weight during the holiday season

Every year, the holiday season seems to start earlier and earlier. With many holiday parties being centered around food, there is always temptation to overindulge, which can put even the well-intentioned eaters off-track.

Opportunity Enterprises' market creating holiday treats

VALPARAISO | Opportunity Enterprises elves worked overtime creating popcorn, fudge and sweet confections during a weekend Simply Amazing Market open house.

Valpo begins Holly Days celebration

VALPARAISO | Five-month old Charlee Reedy looked cozy in her pink fleece jacket as she laid on a bed of straw, keeping company with a donkey, two sheep and a llama.

Keeping safe during the holiday season

Holidays can be a time filled with family, friends and good cheer, but they can also be a time with extra hazards and stress. However, there are steps everyone can take to minimize health risks during the holiday season.

Keeping safe during the holiday season

Bill Jarvis knows firsthand that the holiday season can bring extra dangers around the house.

BILL MASTERSON JR.: Get out and enjoy area's Christmas activities

Chicago McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a can't miss! But that's just the start.

YOUNG VOICES: ‘Tis the season to wisely decorate

By the time you are reading this, almost a fourth of the calories consumed on Thanksgiving will be gone. If you work at Walmart and you are reading this, you will have begun to put out the New Year's decorations, with the Easter items anxiously waiting in the wing. And if you're a creative m…

Portion control and planning can keep away those holiday pounds

With the abundance of rich, fatty foods available during the fall and winter months, it's important to have a strategy for continuing one's healthy eating plan, health experts say.

Utility department collecting holiday decor for the needy

PORTAGE | For the 16th year, the Portage Utility Service Board is collecting Christmas decorations for families in need.

Salvation Army drive near goal

SOUTH HAVEN | Despite the economy, Porter County residents were generous this year when it came to dropping coins and dollars into The Salvation Army of Porter County's kettles.

Mary Kay associates collect money for The Salvation Army

SOUTH HAVEN | Mary Kay cosmetic consultants and directors from Porter, LaPorte and Lake counties made the holiday season a little brighter for some families.

More gold coins found in Indiana Salvation Army kettles

SOUTH BEND | The Salvation Army red kettles are coming up golden in Indiana.

Tips to Make Holiday Eating Habits Healthier

Holiday eating habits are often characterized by overindulgence. From the first taste of turkey on Thanksgiving Day till the last pig in blanket hors d'oeuvre on New Year's Eve, holiday eating habits are not always healthy.

Holiday shopping battle starts earlier

SIOUX CITY | As most everybody knows, the Friday after Thanksgiving Day is not just an ordinary shopping day. Year after year, hordes of bargain-hungry shoppers gather in the cold outside stores in the wee hours of the morning.