SOUTHFIELD — “Christmas would not have been Christmas for me without the Goodfellows.” That is the conclusion of Loretta DeLoach, a Lathrup Village resident of 40 years. 

NOVI — The Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Novi held a community celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12.

METRO DETROIT — A look at five things to do during the weekend of Dec. 27-29.

NOVI — Decorating one’s home with lights during the Christmas season has become a tradition for many families, but for one Novi man it is much more than an annual tradition. It is a way to honor Jesus.

NOVI/FARMINGTON — “Thank you” was all a little boy from Farmington could muster after learning that the students at Novi High School have funded his wish to go to Disney World with his family through Make-A-Wish Michigan.

DETROIT — The nonprofit Williams Park Alliance Inc. will host the second Brightmoor Lights Holiday Festival from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3, featuring life-sized illuminated holiday displays, including symbols of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and more. 

TROY — Carrie Krawiec, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the Birmingham Maple Clinic in Troy, has provided information for those who could be struggling with isolation during this upcoming holiday season.

TROY — Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation once again held its Holiday Art & Cookie Sale on Dec. 14.

ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Chabad Jewish Center is getting ready for its sixth annual menorah lighting and brand-new Chanukah Village experience that will take place 4-6 p.m. Dec. 29.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Two Macomb Township residents and their dog once again claim bragging rights — along with a suite of prizes — as winners of a township-wide contest.

TROY — Two Troy students have found enjoyment and success through their participation in competitive mountain biking on the Rochester Mountain Bike Team.

ROCHESTER — Meadow Brook Hall was recently named one of the best holiday historic home tours in the nation via USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards. 

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — At 9, Salvatore “Sal” Strasz, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is a bundle of energy who loves dogs — his family has two — and sports, especially soccer. And he doesn’t let having Type 1 diabetes stand in the way of anything he wants to do.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — In just seven days, Bloomfield Hills High School alumnus Merrick Chernett ran seven marathons in seven continents. At the age of 18, Chernett is the youngest person to complete the Great World Race.

ROYAL OAK — Show off your ugliest Christmas sweater and give back on Dec. 20 at the Blind Owl, 511 S. Main St. in Royal Oak, for the Filthy Cares Adopt-A-Block Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

FRASER — Christmas in Fraser returned to Steffens Park Dec. 7 with added activities to get attendees into a noel state of mind.

FRASER — Few people would take a dip in a 38-degree swimming pool unless they had a good reason.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township woman celebrated her 99th birthday last month without setting off a smoke alarm at Hamlin Pub in Shelby Township Nov. 30.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Packard Proving Grounds is bringing back a historical Christmas setting with ’Twas a Night Before Christmas 1939,” which will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20.

FARMINGTON HILLS — Until recently, real estate agent Kate Chelovich had never had an opportunity to list a historic home for sale.