NOVI — When we think of Christmas, we often think of massive amounts of decorations, and lights. However, that wasn’t always the case.

BIRMINGHAM — The city of Birmingham established an Ad Hoc Aging in Place Committee to work toward the city’s goal of making it more realistic for older adults to remain in Birmingham as they age.

BIRMINGHAM — In 2024, Alpha Phi will be launching a new leadership program called the Beta Beta Centennial Leadership Program. This program will provide cutting-edge leadership education and strength development for the women of Alpha Phi.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Gorman’s Home Furnishings and Interior Design announced on Dec. 17 that they will host their 15th annual Charity Recliner Promotion to help make a difference in the lives of afflicted individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — The big red logging wheels that have been a fixture in front of the Paint Creek Cider Mill for decades have returned following a complete rebuild.

STERLING HEIGHTS — When Julia Frueh got married in November, she knew she wanted the occasion to be somewhere special. And for her, that place was the church at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Christmas traditions vary from culture to culture, celebrating the festive season in their own ways. 

STERLING HEIGHTS — Upon leaving military life about a decade ago, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Darrell Kingsberry Jr.’s life, in his words, had “been up and down,” sometimes fortunate and other times not-so-fortunate.

WARREN — On Dec. 3, about a dozen bakers showed off their best cookie recipes to a team of local media judges and a room filled with cookie lovers that bought and tasted their confections.

EASTPOINTE — You’ve heard of “The Elf on the Shelf” and “Where’s Waldo?” Now it’s time to meet “Maurice on Release.”

SOUTHFIELD/BIRMINGHAM — GiGi’s Playhouse has had a profound impact on the Kim family since before it officially opened its doors in Southfield almost five years ago.

UTICA — Lights were bright and carolers were caroling at the Downtown Utica Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Dec. 9 at Memorial Park.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica Community Schools eighth grader Ben Wodniak had a vision to create a war memorial, which has now become a reality.

STERLING HEIGHTS — This photo was taken in July 1995 of Sterling Heights police officers approaching the scene of a Detroit News strike that reportedly blocked the Sterling Heights Operations Facility at the intersection of Mound Road and Metropolitan Parkway.

CENTER LINE — Santa Claus came to town for Center Line’s 70th tree lighting on Dec. 9, where nearly 900 people from the community gathered in Memorial Park for festive events on a balmy night.

ROYAL OAK — Throughout the month of December, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Children’s Hospital has been putting on its annual Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams event.

METRO DETROIT — Taylor Jones wasn’t sure how she would get through that first Christmas without her favorite aunt, Tricey, who had passed away from COVID-19 and lupus a few years ago.

METRO DETROIT — While toys and other physical gifts can be quickly forgotten, the sense of pride from learning a new skill is the gift that keeps on giving. So rather than adding to a loved one’s overwhelming stack of belongings, why not consider giving an experience?

MADISON HEIGHTS — Earlier this year, the city of Madison Heights announced a program recognizing exceptional volunteers with its At Your Service Awards. The 2023 winners were revealed at the Nov. 27 City Council meeting.

BIRMINGHAM — At the end of 2023, the Michigan Lion Dance Team and the Detroit Ballet Renaissance group, Ballet Edge Detroit, held a unique cross-cultural celebration in downtown Birmingham.