This year the Salvation Army Christmas Angel trees were up before Thanksgiving, so we decided to beat the crowd and pick our angels early. So far we have picked four, two boys and two girls, ranging in ages from 8 to 14 years old. I couldn't resist Yessy's. She wanted either a skateboard or a pony. I haven't found a skateboard with horses on it yet, but I'll work it out!

Learn more about the Salvation Army Christmas Angel program, and find locations near you.

You Might Also Be Interested In....

• Christmas Music, By Date
• Volunteering at Christmastime
• Holiday Activities and Events, by Date

Pouring the grease down the drain clogs the pipes of many homes along with causing wastewater blockages and overflows in municipalities. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality reminds us that there are environmentally conscious alternatives to disposal that not only protect our wastewater but can also help clean the air by converting it to clean-burning biodiesel fuel.

The Town of Gilbert and Az Biodiesel group are partnering to collect the grease through Monday, December 7, 2009 at eight Gilbert fire stations located at the following addresses: 215 N. Cooper Road, 2730 E. Williams Field Road, 2855 E. Guadalupe Road, 1011 E. Guadalupe Road, 909 E. Ray Road, 3630 E. Germann Road, 1095 E. Germann Road and 3595 E. Warner Road.

In the Town of Cave Creek, Dynamite Biofuels Co-op is partnering with Big Earl's Greasy Eats Restaurant, 6135 E. Cave Creek Road, and is offering a bin for grease collection daily from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday during the 2009 holiday season.

Thanksgiving is one of those quiet days. Most of us have the day off from work, we eat too much, and we watch football or a movie on TV. I hope it is a day when you can relax and enjoy some quiet time with family and/or friends.

On Thanksgiving Day in Phoenix

• Holiday Recipes
• Make a Reservation
• Go Shopping
• Do Something Else
• Prepare for Black Friday

I had a difficult time finding free events this week that were not about Thanksgiving or Christmas! Of course, there are many free activities and festivals surrounding the opening of the holiday season, but I was even able to find a few things you can do if you aren't interested in decking the halls right now. You can go to a street festival, see chocolate, get some history and visit the State Capitol. Read more...